Q&A: Cosmology

Q:
Is there really an increase of cosmic dust entering our solar system?

A:
From a report in 2003, using the European Space Agency's Ulysses space telescope, it seems there may indeed be extra dust coming through the solar system. However, as a report of the press release states, "no serious consequences are expected." Please see the following page for details:
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/dust_storm_030814.html

Since Chandra observes the high energy (hot!) Universe, and dust is cool, we do not have any Chandra data to corroborate their claim. The Spitzer Space Telescope, found at this site:
http://www.spitzer.caltech.edu/, is made for just these temperatures. Try the "Cool Cosmos" link in the center of the page for a fun way to learn about dust and the infrared light it emits.