Relationship between optical polarization and extinction. [In interstellar space]

Journal Article · Fri Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1988 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/166249· OSTI ID:7222498

Clayton, G C; Mathis, J S

A sample of stars including lines of sight within various dense clouds and stars in the diffuse interstellar medium are examined in order to investigate the relationship between various color ratios and the wavelength of the maximum of the interstellar polarization, lambda(max). The correlation of Serkowski (1975) is confirmed. The extinction laws have been fitted by minimizing the square deviations from the observed colors and the derived law. The results suggest that variations in lambda(max) are caused by differences in particle size distributions. Stars with large lambda(max) are noted in the outer regions of dense clouds, regions which are probably disturbed. 57 references.

• Research Organization: Washburn Observatory, Madison, WI (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7222498
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 327; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ABSORPTION
COSMIC DUST
COSMIC GASES
DUSTS
FLUIDS
GASES
INTERSTELLAR SPACE
PARTICLE SIZE
POLARIZATION
SIZE
SPACE
STELLAR RADIATION
VARIATIONS