Dust is ubiquitous – it is found from the Earth’s atmosphere to the edges of our Universe. It is studied in many ways including in-situ measurement, remote observation (in our Solar System through to distant galaxies) and by analysis of returned samples. Progress in the last decade has been significant with sample return missions, in-situ measurements and ground- and space-based measurements, as well as progress in laboratory experiments and modeling. The possible significance of dust in the astrobiological context has also been realized. One of the challenges in the study of dust has been to harmonise the different techniques used in the study of dust and the various environments in which dust is found. It is now nearly 15 years since the last major book publication in the field (Interplanetary Dust, Grün et al., 2001). The time gap and the pace of development merits the next such initiative – now with an emphasis where possible on interconnections, similarities, differences and on synthesizing results from different techniques into one coherent view. A new aspect is that astrobiological connections will also be considered. Moreover, the dust hazard, and future technology and space mission requirements and scenarios will also be addressed. The outcome would be a compendium with a coherent view on dust from the different disciplines involved in cosmic dust science and recommendations for future dust research and space missions. 

Dust Accelerator Lab in Heidelberg (Germany). (picture: Veerle Sterken)