Physics
Scientific paper
Sep 2004
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004sptz.prop.3578m&link_type=abstract
Spitzer Proposal ID #3578
Physics
Scientific paper
We propose to examine the infrared extinction curve in the Magellanic Clouds. As our nearest galactic neighbors, the Clouds provide an ideal laboratory for the study of dust properites in environments very different from the Galaxy. We will use IRAC imaging in conjunction with IRS spectra for selected targets to explore the shape of the infrared extinction curve as well as the nature of the dust grains in both the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. All of our targets have extensive data in the vacuum ultraviolet as well as optical and hence correlations of the IR properties of the dust (shape of the extinction curve from IRAC + IRS, mineralogy from IRS) will provide previously unavailable insight into the nature of grains in diverse environments. In addition, the IRAC images will provide information on the surrounding environment and its effect on grain properties. With the IRS spectra covering the stong aborption feature of silicate dust at 9.7 micron, we will be able to address recent evidence that silicon is undepleted into a solid state in the SMC. Previous studies of the UV extinction in extragalactic environments indicate that dust grains and their attendant extinction of starlight vary significantly with environment. In particular, the dust in the Magellanic Clouds, especially the SMC, appears similar to that found in starburst and high redshift galaxies. Hence, understanding how grain properties and hence their attenuation of starlight varies in the Clouds will provide valuable tools in interpreting data from the distant universe.
Clayton Geoff
Gordon Karl
Misselt Karl
Smith JD
Su Kate
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