Multiple scattering in reflection nebulae. I. A Monte Carlo approach

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

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/190463· OSTI ID:7290819

Witt, A N

A method is described which permits the calculation of the surface brightness distribution on a plane-parallel reflection nebula of uniform density, illuminated by a single star located in front of, behind, or arbitrarily inside the nebula. The multiple scattering problem is solved by the Monte Carlo technique in a three-dimensional simulation. The models are completely parametrized by describing particle properties by their single-scattering albedo and by an analytic phase function with one or three parameters. The computations are thus independent of wavelength or assumed size distributions of the scattering particles and are therefore particularly suited for the analysis of observations of the surface brightness of reflection nebulae in spectral regions, such as the ultraviolet, for which detailed particle models are still uncertain.

• Research Organization: Ritter Astrophysical Research Center, The University of Toledo
• OSTI ID: 7290819
• 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
BRIGHTNESS
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
INTERSTELLAR GRAINS
MASSLESS PARTICLES
MONTE CARLO METHOD
NEBULAE
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PARTICLES
PHOTONS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
POLARIZATION
PROBABILITY
RADIATION TRANSPORT