The Diffuse Ultraviolet and Optical Background: Status and Future Prospects

TL;DR

This paper reviews the various sources contributing to the ultraviolet and optical background radiation, emphasizing the importance of understanding these components for astronomical observations and highlighting future observational prospects.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the different components of the diffuse UV and optical background and discusses future observational opportunities from missions near the Solar System's edge.

Findings

Identification of key sources of UV and optical background

Discussion of the significance of each component for observations

Prospects for future measurements from Solar System missions

Abstract

The ultraviolet and optical background forms a baseline for any observation of the sky. It includes emission lines and scattered light from the atmosphere; resonant scattering from the Lyman lines of interplanetary hydrogen and the scattering of sunlight from Solar System dust (zodiacal light); scattering of starlight from interstellar dust (DGL) with emission from molecular hydrogen fluorescence or from line emission in selected areas; and an extragalactic component seen most easily at high Galactic latitudes. We will discuss the different components of the diffuse radiation field in the UV and the optical. We close with a hope that there will be new observations from missions near the edge of the Solar System.