Multiple scattering in reflection nebulae. III. Nebulae with embedded illuminating stars

Journal Article · Thu Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1977 · Astrophys. J., Suppl. Ser.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/190465· OSTI ID:7209952

Witt, A N

Model calculations for uniformly dense, plane-parallel reflection nebulae with immersed stars are presented and briefly discussed. The detail provided is designed primarily to distinguish this type of nebula from one with a foreground star. The surface brightness in units of the stellar flux seen by the observer is generally higher and the brightness distribution is measurably steeper in the case of the embedded star, if identical scattering properties and nebular parameters are assumed. As in nebulae with foreground stars, multiple scattering increases in importance with angular distance from the illuminating star and therefore has a significant effect on the surface brightness distribution. Since the illuminated volume in an optically thick nebula is spherical regardless of its outer boundaries, detailed comparisons between optically thick plane-parallel and spherical reflection nebulae with a central star are included. It is found that observations of nebulae with embedded stars can aid in the determination of the phase function shape at different wavelengths.

• Research Organization: Ritter Astrophysical Research Center, The University of Toledo
• OSTI ID: 7209952
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J., Suppl. Ser.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J., Suppl. Ser.; (United States) Vol. 35:1; ISSN APJSA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ALBEDO
BRIGHTNESS
NEBULAE
OPACITY
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PHASE SHIFT
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RADIATION TRANSPORT
SCATTERING
STELLAR RADIATION