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Abstract

This review surveys the observed properties of interstellar dust grains: the wavelength-dependent extinction of starlight, including absorption features, from UV to infrared; optical luminescence; infrared emission; microwave emission; optical, UV, and X-ray scattering by dust; and polarization of starlight and of infrared emission. The relationship between presolar grains in meteorites and the interstellar grain population is discussed. Candidate grain materials and abundance constraints are considered. A dust model consisting of amorphous silicate grains, graphite grains, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is compared with observed emission and scattering. Some issues concerning evolution of interstellar dust are discussed.

[Erratum, Closure]

An erratum has been published for this article:
INTERSTELLAR DUST GRAINS
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/content/journals/10.1146/annurev.astro.41.011802.094840
2003-09-01
2024-12-10
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  • Article Type: Review Article
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