Interstellar dust: from laboratory to the X-ray sky

The interstellar dust permeates our Galaxy and plays an important role in many astrophysical processes. It can regulate the temperature of the interstellar medium (ISM) and is the catalyst for the formation of complex molecules. However, the exact chemical composition of dust grains remains unclear.

The X-ray energy band includes a plethora of transitions from atomic and solid species of elements, ranging from carbon to nickel. These are the main constituents of interstellar dust. The synergy between high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy and new laboratory measurements is a unique probe to investigate the interstellar dust properties along the galactic plane, such as the dust silicate mixture, crystallinity and grain size.

X-ray radiation from binary systems can be absorbed by gas and dust in the ISM, producing distinct features in the observed X-ray spectra. In this talk, I will present a new X-ray dust extinction model for interstellar dust based on a series of laboratory experiments. I will discuss implications of our model for astronomical sources and show new results on dust mineralogy as well as on the depletion of iron and oxygen in the ISM. Finally, I will highlight the prospects of studying interstellar dust with future X-ray missions


Should you require any accommodations to ensure equal access and opportunity related to this event, please contact Stacy Tiburzi at 734-764-3440 or stibu@umich.edu.