Article
Engineering, Aerospace
E. A. Godenko, V. V. Izmodenov
Summary: This study presents modeling results of charging processes for interstellar dust particles passing through the heliospheric interface. The research shows that the steady-state assumption is valid for modeling trajectories and number density distributions of relatively large dust grains, while the dynamical computation of charge significantly influences the trajectories and modifies the number density for small particles.
ADVANCES IN SPACE RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Astronomy & Astrophysics
P. C. Brandt, E. Provornikova, S. D. Bale, A. Cocoros, R. DeMajistre, K. Dialynas, H. A. Elliott, S. Eriksson, B. Fields, A. Galli, M. E. Hill, M. Horanyi, T. Horbury, S. Hunziker, P. Kollmann, J. Kinnison, G. Fountain, S. M. Krimigis, W. S. Kurth, J. Linsky, C. M. Lisse, K. E. Mandt, W. Magnes, R. L. McNutt, J. Miller, E. Moebius, P. Mostafavi, M. Opher, L. Paxton, F. Plaschke, A. R. Poppe, E. C. Roelof, K. Runyon, S. Redfield, N. Schwadron, V. Sterken, P. Swaczyna, J. Szalay, D. Turner, H. Vannier, R. Wimmer-Schweingruber, P. Wurz, E. J. Zirnstein
Summary: This article provides a detailed overview of the knowledge gaps in our understanding of the interaction between the heliosphere and the largely unexplored Very Local Interstellar Medium (VLISM), as well as predictions of potential scientific discoveries in this field. The article discusses the new measurements needed to make progress in space physics, including in-situ plasma and pick-up ion measurements, direct sampling of VLISM properties, and remote imaging to discern the heliospheric shape and interaction with interstellar hydrogen. A 4-year NASA funded mission study reports the implementation of a pragmatic Interstellar Probe mission with a nominal design life of reaching 375 Astronomical Units (au), with likely operation out to 550 au.
SPACE SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Pontus C. Brandt, E. A. Provornikova, A. Cocoros, D. Turner, R. DeMajistre, K. Runyon, C. M. Lisse, S. Bale, W. S. Kurth, A. Galli, P. Wurz, Ralph L. McNutt, R. Wimmer-Schweingruber, J. Linsky, S. Redfield, P. Kollmann, K. E. Mandt, A. M. Rymer, E. C. Roelof, J. Kinnison, M. Opher, M. E. Hill, M. Paul
Summary: This article introduces a mission concept called Interstellar Probe, which aims to explore the mechanisms shaping our sun's protective bubble and understand the evolutionary journey of our sun, heliosphere, and solar system. The article also discusses the scientific rationale, feasibility studies, and implementation details of Interstellar Probe.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Leire Beitia-Antero, Ana I. Gomez de Castro
Summary: The study presents a dust collision model implemented in an MHD code to investigate variations in grain size distribution. The results suggest that the methodology of using charged particle motion equations in MHD evolution is optimal for studying the coagulation of dust grains in a diffuse regime like a molecular cloud envelope.
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Wenbo Zuo, Aigen Li, Gang Zhao
Summary: This study investigates the interstellar dust composition, size, and quantity by examining the extinction and abundances of 10 interstellar sight lines. The findings suggest that solar and protosolar abundances may not be appropriate representations of the interstellar abundances, while the GCE-augmented protosolar abundances are supported as a viable representation.
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL SUPPLEMENT SERIES
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
E. A. Godenko, V. V. Izmodenov
Summary: The aim of this study is to model the distribution of interstellar dust in the heliosphere and investigate the peculiarities of the number density distribution. It is found that dust accumulation regions are located near the heliospheric current sheet and in the tail of the heliosphere.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
O. A. Katushkina, I. I. Baliukin, V. V. Izmodenov, D. B. Alexashov
Summary: This paper explores the possible imprints of secondary interstellar hydrogen atoms created at the heliospheric boundary in full-sky maps of hydrogen fluxes at the Earth's orbit. Using a three-dimensional kinetic model, hydrogen flux maps are calculated for different phases of the solar cycle and energy ranges, revealing specific features during solar minimum conditions. The study shows that the geometry and shape of tails in these flux maps depend on the averaged velocity and kinetic temperatures of the secondary population far from the Sun. These results provide insight into detecting the secondary component of interstellar hydrogen separately from the primary component at 1 AU, which could be important for future space missions exploring the heliospheric boundary.
MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Thiem Hoang
Summary: The properties of dust evolve with redshift and local gas density, affecting extinction curves and the total-to-selective extinction ratio R-V. The effects of radiative torque disruption cause changes in dust properties, leading to steeper extinction curves and lower R-V values as redshift increases.
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Astronomy & Astrophysics
P. Mostafavi, L. F. Burlaga, I. H. Cairns, S. A. Fuselier, F. Fraternale, D. A. Gurnett, T. K. Kim, W. S. Kurth, N. Pogorelov, E. Provornikova, J. D. Richardson, D. L. Turner, G. P. Zank
Summary: Large-scale disturbances generated by the Sun's dynamics influence the outer boundaries of the heliosphere and modify the local interstellar medium. Recent observations by the Voyager spacecraft have provided new insights into shock waves in the VLISM, showing significant differences from heliospheric shocks. The question of the existence of a bow shock or wave in front of our heliosphere remains unanswered.
SPACE SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2022)
Review
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Andre Galli, Igor I. Baliukin, Maciej Bzowski, Vladislav V. Izmodenov, Marc Kornbleuth, Harald Kucharek, Eberhard Mobius, Merav Opher, Dan Reisenfeld, Nathan A. Schwadron, Pawel Swaczyna
Summary: This review summarizes the observations of heliospheric energetic neutral atoms and interstellar neutrals, which have revolutionized our understanding of the heliosphere shaped by the combined forces of the local interstellar flow, the local interstellar magnetic field, and the solar wind.
SPACE SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2022)
Review
Astronomy & Astrophysics
E. J. Zirnstein, E. Mobius, M. Zhang, J. Bower, H. A. Elliott, D. J. McComas, N. Pogorelov, P. Swaczyna
Summary: Interstellar pickup ions are an important component of the solar wind plasma in the heliosphere. This review paper discusses the history of in situ measurements of these ions and highlights key findings, including their nonthermal distribution and preferential heating compared to the core solar wind.
SPACE SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2022)
Review
Astronomy & Astrophysics
J. D. Richardson, L. F. Burlaga, H. Elliott, W. S. Kurth, Y. D. Liu, R. von Steiger
Summary: This paper reviews the observations of the solar wind plasma and magnetic fields throughout the heliosphere and in the interstellar medium.
SPACE SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Libor Nouzak, David James, Zdenek Nemecek, Jana Safrankova, Jiri Pavlu, Jaroslava Novakova, Jakub Vaverka, Zoltan Sternovsky
Summary: Faraday cups are instruments used to measure velocity distribution functions of space plasmas, frequently utilized in heliophysics missions. A new version of this instrument is being developed for the Luna 26 mission to quickly monitor solar wind plasma parameters. The prototype is tested for dust impacts in a 0.2-60 km/s velocity range, with collected data indicating sufficient sensitivity for detecting interplanetary dust and lunar surface dust lift-off. Simple modifications to the FC electronics could significantly increase detection efficiency.
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
D. R. Flower
Summary: In this study, quantum mechanical calculations were used to investigate the cross-sections and rate coefficients for electron attachment to small, neutral, and positively charged grains. The presence of a permanent dipole moment and the long-range Coulomb potential were found to significantly affect the results, leading to better agreement between classical and quantal models.
MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
E. A. Godenko, V. V. Izmodenov
Summary: Interstellar dust penetrates into the heliosphere due to relative motion of the Sun and the local interstellar medium. Distribution of interstellar dust is modified by electromagnetic forces, solar gravitation, and radiation pressure, leading to inhomogeneous distribution within the heliosphere. Singularities have been discovered in the density distribution of interstellar dust, with dispersion in velocity distribution affecting the singularities significantly.
ASTRONOMY LETTERS-A JOURNAL OF ASTRONOMY AND SPACE ASTROPHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
B. T. Draine, Brandon S. Hensley
Summary: The dielectric function of interstellar dust material is modeled using observations of extinction and polarization in the infrared, assuming a mixture of amorphous silicates and hydrocarbons. Detailed shape of the 10 μm polarization profile depends on assumed porosity and grain shape, but data are not yet sufficient to favor one shape or constrain porosity. Predicted 3.4 μm polarization feature is consistent with existing upper limits, suggesting no separate population of non-aligned carbonaceous grains is required.
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
B. T. Draine, Brandon S. Hensley
Summary: This study evaluates the suitability of three continuous distributions of ellipsoids (CDEs) for describing the shapes of interstellar grains, with Bohren-Huffman CDE containing a large fraction of extreme shapes and CDE2 distribution appearing to be the most realistic. The research also proposes a method for synthesizing a dielectric function to constrain the grain shape based on observed data in the Rayleigh limit.
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Jeremy Chastenet, Karin Sandstrom, I-Da Chiang, Brandon S. Hensley, Bruce T. Draine, Karl D. Gordon, Eric W. Koch, Adam K. Leroy, Dyas Utomo, Thomas G. Williams
Summary: A comparative study was conducted on several dust models, revealing differences in dust mass despite similar fit quality. Despite variations in carrier definitions, all physical models exhibit consistent spatial changes in dust grain abundance.
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
B. T. Draine, Aigen Li, Brandon S. Hensley, L. K. Hunt, K. Sandstrom, J-D T. Smith
Summary: By using physical models, the study explores the sensitivity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission spectra to different illuminating starlight characteristics, PAH size distribution, and PAH charge distribution. It is found that the fraction of infrared power appearing in the PAH emission features can vary with different starlight spectra.
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
B. T. Draine
Summary: Interstellar dust grains can cause circular polarization in thermal emission if their alignment direction varies along the line of sight. While circular polarization is predicted to be small and unmeasurable in the diffuse interstellar medium, it may reach detectable levels in certain regions such as photodissociation regions, infrared dark clouds, and protoplanetary disks. Measuring circular polarization can provide insights into the magnetic field structure in infrared dark clouds and the mechanisms responsible for grain alignment in protoplanetary disks.
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Blake Chellew, Timothy D. Brandt, Brandon S. Hensley, Bruce T. Draine, Eve Matthaey
Summary: We present a spectrum of the diffuse Galactic light (DGL) and find differences between the northern and southern Galactic hemispheres. These results provide constraints on dust scattering and luminescence.
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Charles M. M. Telesco, Frank Varosi, Christopher Wright, BruceT. T. Draine, Sergio Jose Fernandez Acosta, Christopher Packham
Summary: The study presents the first mid-IR detection of linear polarization towards the star CygOB2-12. The analysis of the spectropolarimetry data shows the alignment of silicate grains in the interstellar magnetic field. This finding is significant for studying the properties of dust in the diffuse interstellar medium.
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Veerle J. Sterken, Lennart R. Baalmann, Bruce T. Draine, Egor Godenko, Konstantin Herbst, Hsiang-Wen Hsu, Silvan Hunziker, Vladislav Izmodenov, Rosine Lallement, Jonathan D. Slavin
Summary: This paper summarizes the processes, dynamics, and consequences of interstellar dust particles in heliospheric and astrospheric environments, and discusses theoretical modeling, in situ measurements, and remote sensing. The role of dust in the physics of the heliosphere and astrospheres is still underexplored, but it is an important and rapidly growing field of investigation.
SPACE SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2022)
Correction
Astronomy & Astrophysics
B. T. Draine, Brandon S. Hensley
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Brandon S. Hensley, B. T. Draine
Summary: We propose a new model of interstellar dust that explains the characteristics of large and nanoparticle-sized grains. The model includes a single composite material for large grains and distinct varieties of nanoparticle-sized grains, such as PAHs. The model accurately reproduces the polarization and wavelength dependence of Galactic extinction and emission.
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
B. T. Draine, Brandon S. Hensley
Summary: A new method is developed using observed starlight polarization and polarized submillimeter emission to constrain the shapes and porosities of interstellar grains, supported by the modified picket-fence approximation. The strength of observed polarization, efficiency of grain types, and alignment of grains are determined through various integrals, leading to constraints on the minimum degree of asphericity for grains. The same grains producing starlight polarization also provide polarized emission at submillimeter wavelengths, with additional limits on shape and porosity.
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Brandon S. Hensley, B. T. Draine
Summary: This paper presents a synthesis of astronomical observations on diffuse Galactic sight lines, constraining the wavelength-dependent extinction, emission, and polarization from interstellar dust across UV to microwave wavelengths. Special emphasis is placed on dust polarimetry, including various aspects of polarization and its connection to optical and far-infrared emissions, with the goal of reproducing these constraints in models of dust in the diffuse interstellar medium.
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Correction
Astronomy & Astrophysics
G. Aniano, B. T. Draine, L. K. Hunt, K. Sandstrom, D. Calzetti, R. C. Kennicutt, D. A. Dale, M. Galametz, K. D. Gordon, A. K. Leroy, J. -D. T. Smith, H. Roussel, M. Sauvage, F. Walter, L. Armus, A. D. Bolatto, M. Boquien, A. Crocker, I. De Looze, J. Donovan Meyer, G. Helou, J. Hinz, B. D. Johnson, J. Koda, A. Miller, E. Montiel, E. J. Murphy, M. Relano, H. -W. Rix, E. Schinnerer, R. Skibba, M. G. Wolfire, C. W. Engelbracht
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2020)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
G. Aniano, B. T. Draine, L. K. Hunt, K. Sandstrom, D. Calzetti, R. C. Kennicutt, D. A. Dale, M. Galametz, K. D. Gordon, A. K. Leroy, J-D T. Smith, H. Roussel, M. Sauvage, F. Walter, L. Armus, A. D. Bolatto, M. Boquien, A. Crocker, I De Looze, J. Donovan Meyer, G. Helou, J. Hinz, B. D. Johnson, J. Koda, A. Miller, E. Montiel, E. J. Murphy, M. Relano, H-W Rix, E. Schinnerer, R. Skibba, M. G. Wolfire, C. W. Engelbracht
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2020)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Brandon S. Hensley, B. T. Draine
ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2020)