Dust in the Galactic Environment (Third Edition): (AAS-IOP Astronomy)

Table of Contents:
1. Introduction Brief overview of the nature of cosmic dust and its significance in modern astrophysics 2. The interaction of electromagnetic radiation and small particles Introduction to the basic theory of absorption and scattering; overview of numerical methods Polarization of radiation by non-spherical grains; mechanisms of grain alignment Thermal continuum emission from heated dust; thermal transients in very small grains 3. The observed properties of dust – I: Continuum properties and their applications The extinction curve and reddening; importance with respect to the cosmic distance scale Thermal infrared emission; utility as a proxy for molecular hydrogen as a tracer of mass Polarization of starlight and thermal infrared emission; utility as tracers of magnetic fields The observed distributions of dust in the Milky Way and other galaxies Summary of observational constraints on dust properties: size, shape, composition 4. The observed properties of dust – II: Spectral features in the infrared Vibrational modes in solids Absorption features in the diffuse ISM: silicates and carbonaceous solids Absorption features in the dense ISM: ices Emission features from heated dust: silicates; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons 5. The observed properties of dust – III: Element depletions Abundances of the chemical elements (brief overview) Observations of interstellar gas-phase abundances and inferred depletions into dust Discussion of key elements and anomalies; summary of implications 6. The life cycle of dust – I: Dust in stellar ejecta Overview of the roles of dust in stellar evolution Stardust: Grain formation in stellar winds; dust in supernovae Laboratory studies of stardust in meteorites • Evolving stars as sources of interstellar grains Dust in time: from the early universe to the present day 7. The life cycle of dust – II: Evolution in the interstellar medium Overview of the role of dust in astrochemistry Basic theory of surface reactions, molecule formation, mantle growth, grain-grain coagulation Thermal and radiative processing; grain destruction in shocks Overview of the role of dust in star and planet formation 8. Conclusion Overview of models for interstellar dust Suggestions for future research

About the Author :
Doug Whittet is Professor Emeritus at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York and has authored over 190 research papers. From 2008 to 2015 he was Director of the New York Center for Astrobiology and funded by the NASA Astrobiology Institute. From 1998 to 2006 Professor Whittet was Associate Director of the New York Center for Studies of the Origins of Life. In 2002 he was the winner of the Rensselaer Alumni Association Teacher of the Year award.

Review :
Astronomers and astrophysicists who have an interest in interstellar dust are sure to have to hand a copy of Whittet's Dust in the Galactic Environment, either the first edition (1992) or the second edition (2003). These books have been splendid and reliable guides to the nature and properties of Galactic dust. But as Whittet notes in his Preface "this new edition is in large part a different book". The book is beautifully produced with extensive use of colour images and diagrams. Each chapter includes extensive references to recent literature. The level of the text is certainly appropriate for advanced undergraduates and for postgraduates; established researchers will also benefit from this book. David A. Williams, The Observatory, February 2023.