Annual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics · 1979 · 1.2K citations · 0 references
Natural SciencesAstronomyPhysicsAstrophysicsExtragalactic AstronomyInterstellar MediumDiffuse Interstellar MediumInterstellar DustInterstellar Dust EmissionInterstellar ExtinctionInterstellar GasDust Grain CompositionDust Grain PropertiesDust-to-gas RatioInterstellar Dust ExtinctionInterstellar Dust PropertiesInterstellar Dust ScatteringInterstellar Medium Dust PropertiesInterstellar Polarization
Recent information on the observed properties of interstellar dust is reviewed, with an attempt made to clarify some of the observational uncertainties associated with obtaining dust parameters. Attention is given to interstellar extinction, the interstellar dust distribution, the dust-to-gas ratio, and light scattering by dust grains. Interstellar polarization is also examined, along with heavy-element depletion in the interstellar medium, thermal emission from interstellar dust grains, diffuse interstellar features, and the composition and origin of interstellar grains.