Light scattering by cosmic particles

We define cosmic particles as particles outside the Earth. Two types of cosmic particles can be distinguished, namely liquid and solid particles. The solid particles are often called grains or cosmic dust particles. Cosmic particles occur in a great variety of astronomical objects and environments. At light scattering conferences most attention is usually paid to Solar System bodies. The main purpose of this contribution is to provide a brief introduction to light scattering by cosmic particles, focussing on particles in the atmospheres of (exo) planets and satellites, comets and particulate surfaces. We also point out some key areas for further research.