Three-dimensional maps of the interstellar dust extinction curve within the Milky Way galaxy.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 40080581.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1126/science.ado9787.
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Abstract
Interstellar dust grains cause extinction (absorption and scattering) of light from background astronomical sources. The spectral shape of the extinction curve depends on the dust composition. We used low-resolution optical spectra to measure the extinction curve of 130 million stars. By inverting these data, we mapped the extinction curve parameter <i>R</i>(<i>V</i>) within the Milky Way in three dimensions and within the Magellanic Clouds in two dimensions. These maps provide improved extinction corrections for astronomical observations. We find that <i>R</i>(<i>V</i>) varies with extinction, consistent with dust grains growing by accretion in low-extinction regions and by coagulation in higher-extinction regions. Star-forming regions have high <i>R</i>(<i>V</i>) values, indicating either preferential destruction of small dust grains or additional supply of large dust grains in those regions.