The relationship between infrared, optical, and ultraviolet extinction

Journal Article · Sun Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1989 · Astrophysical Journal; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/167900· OSTI ID:5125744

Cardelli, J A; Clayton, G C; Mathis, J S ^[1]

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1. Washburn Observatory, Madison, WI (USA)

The parameterized extinction data of Fitzpatrick and Massa (1986, 1988) for the ultraviolet and various sources for the optical and near-infrared are used to derive a meaningful average extinction law over the 3.5 micron to 0.125 wavelength range which is applicable to both diffuse and dense regions of the interstellar medium. The law depends on only one parameter R(V) = A(V)/E(B-V). An analytic formula is given for the mean extinction law which can be used to calculate color excesses or to deredden observations. The validity of the law over a large wavelength interval suggests that the processes which modify the sizes and compositions of grains are stochastic in nature and very efficient. 49 refs.

• OSTI ID: 5125744
• Journal Information: Astrophysical Journal; (USA), Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal; (USA) Vol. 345; ISSN ASJOA; ISSN 0004-637X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ABSORPTION
ASTROPHYSICS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
INFRARED RADIATION
INFRARED SPECTRA
INTERSTELLAR GRAINS
INTERSTELLAR SPACE
PARTICLES
RADIATIONS
SPACE
SPECTRA
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
ULTRAVIOLET SPECTRA
VISIBLE RADIATION
VISIBLE SPECTRA