The Cosmic Dust Analyzer (CDA) on the Cassini mission is a large-area multi-sensor dust instrument that includes a chemical dust analyzer, a highly reliable impact ionization detector, and two high rate polarized polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) detectors. During 6 years en route to Saturn the CDA analysed the interplanetary dust cloud, the stream of interstellar dust, and Jupiter dust streams. During 13 years in orbit around Saturn the CDA studied the E ring, dust in the plumes of Enceladus, and dust in Saturn's environment.
Cassini Cosmic Dust Detector, CDA
Cosmic dust – also called extraterrestrial dust, space dust, or star dust – is dust that occurs in outer space or has fallen onto Earth. Most cosmic dust particles measure between a few molecules and 0.1 mm (100 μm), such as micrometeoroids. Larger particles are called meteoroids. Cosmic dust can be further distinguished by its astronomical location: intergalactic dust, interstellar dust, interplanetary dust, and circumplanetary dust. There are several methods to obtain space dust measurement.
Porous chondrite dust particle
Artist's impression of dust formation around a supernova explosion.
Zodiacal light caused by cosmic dust.
Cosmic dust of the Andromeda Galaxy as revealed in infrared light by the Spitzer Space Telescope.