The relationship between infrared, optical, and ultraviolet extinction
view Abstract Citations (9701) References (43) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS The Relationship between Infrared, Optical, and Ultraviolet Extinction Cardelli, Jason A. ; Clayton, Geoffrey C. ; Mathis, John S. Abstract The parameterized extinction data of Fitzpatrick and Massa (1986, 1988) for the ultraviolet and various sources for the optical and near-infrared are used to derive a meaningful average extinction law over the 3.5 micron to 0.125 wavelength range which is applicable to both diffuse and dense regions of the interstellar medium. The law depends on only one parameter R(V) = A(V)/E(B-V). An analytic formula is given for the mean extinction law which can be used to calculate color excesses or to deredden observations. The validity of the law over a large wavelength interval suggests that the processes which modify the sizes and compositions of grains are stochastic in nature and very efficient. Publication: The Astrophysical Jo
view Abstract Citations (9701) References (43) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS The Relationship between Infrared, Optical, and Ultraviolet Extinction Cardelli, Jason A. ; Clayton, Geoffrey C. ; Mathis, John S. Abstract The parameterized extinction data of Fitzpatrick and Massa (1986, 1988) for the ultraviolet and various sources for the optical and near-infrared are used to derive a meaningful average extinction law over the 3.5 micron to 0.125 wavelength range which is applicable to both diffuse and dense regions of the interstellar medium. The law depends on only one parameter R(V) = A(V)/E(B-V). An analytic formula is given for the mean extinction law which can be used to calculate color excesses or to deredden observations. The validity of the law over a large wavelength interval suggests that the processes which modify the sizes and compositions of grains are stochastic in nature and very efficient. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: October 1989 DOI: 10.1086/167900 Bibcode: 1989ApJ...345..245C Keywords: Infrared Spectra; Interstellar Extinction; Ultraviolet Spectra; Visible Spectrum; Computational Astrophysics; Interstellar Matter; Iue; Astrophysics; INTERSTELLAR: MATTER; ULTRAVIOLET: SPECTRA full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (38) MAST (2)
Executive Summary
The article 'The Relationship between Infrared, Optical, and Ultraviolet Extinction' by Cardelli, Clayton, and Mathis (1989) presents a comprehensive study on the extinction laws across a broad wavelength range from 3.5 microns to 0.125 microns. The authors utilize parameterized extinction data from Fitzpatrick and Massa (1986, 1988) for the ultraviolet and various sources for the optical and near-infrared to derive an average extinction law applicable to both diffuse and dense regions of the interstellar medium. The law is parameterized by R(V) = A(V)/E(B-V) and provides an analytic formula for calculating color excesses and dereddening observations. The study suggests that the processes modifying grain sizes and compositions are stochastic and highly efficient.
Key Points
- ▸ The study derives an average extinction law applicable to both diffuse and dense regions of the interstellar medium.
- ▸ The extinction law is parameterized by R(V) = A(V)/E(B-V).
- ▸ An analytic formula is provided for calculating color excesses and dereddening observations.
- ▸ The processes modifying grain sizes and compositions are suggested to be stochastic and efficient.
Merits
Comprehensive Data Integration
The study effectively integrates data from multiple sources, providing a unified extinction law across a wide wavelength range.
Practical Utility
The analytic formula provided is highly practical for astronomers and astrophysicists, enabling them to deredden observations and calculate color excesses.
Theoretical Insight
The study offers valuable insights into the stochastic nature of processes affecting interstellar grains, contributing to the broader understanding of interstellar matter.
Demerits
Data Limitations
The study relies on existing data sets, which may have inherent limitations and biases that could affect the derived extinction law.
Assumption of Uniformity
The assumption that a single parameter R(V) can describe the extinction law across diverse interstellar environments may oversimplify the complex nature of interstellar extinction.
Temporal Validity
The study does not address potential temporal variations in the extinction law, which could be relevant for long-term astronomical observations.
Expert Commentary
The study by Cardelli, Clayton, and Mathis represents a significant advancement in the field of astrophysics, particularly in the area of interstellar extinction. The derivation of a unified extinction law across a broad wavelength range is a notable achievement, providing a valuable tool for astronomers. The parameterization by R(V) offers a practical approach to correcting observational data, which is crucial for accurate measurements. However, the study's reliance on existing data sets and the assumption of uniformity across diverse interstellar environments may limit its applicability. Future research could benefit from addressing these limitations, potentially through the incorporation of more diverse data sets and the exploration of temporal variations in the extinction law. Overall, the study's contributions to the understanding of interstellar matter and its practical utility make it a valuable addition to the field.
Recommendations
- ✓ Future studies should aim to incorporate more diverse data sets to address potential biases and limitations in the derived extinction law.
- ✓ Researchers should explore the temporal validity of the extinction law, investigating potential variations over time that could impact long-term astronomical observations.