Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 April 2016
A review is given which suggests that cosmic dust theoretical and experimental studies are still beset with uncertainty and inaccuracy. A significant body of interrelated evidence exists which indicates that the solar system has two populations of dust particles, a submicron population generated and emitted by the sun and a larger size population spiraling inward toward the sun. The submicron component may provide the missing coupling mechanism between solar sunspot activity and meteorological activity in the earth’s atmosphere.