Astrophysical Microgravity Experiments with Dust Particles

Dust particles play an important role in astrophysics. Experiments can help to describe their mutual interactions as well as their interactions with an ambient gas flow or a field of electromagnetic radiation. In many cases, these experiments are not feasible in the laboratory, owing to the overwhelming effect of gravity. Then, only microgravity experiments can help to uncover the physics behind dust interactions. In this article, I will review the dust experiments, which we performed in the Bremen drop tower during the past years. These experiments have helped us to better understand the role of solid particles in planet-forming regions, on the surfaces of small solar-system bodies, and in Saturn's rings.