Dust in the Galactic Environment

D.C.B Whittet0750306246, 9780750306249, 9780585485836

Dust is a ubiquitous feature of the cosmos, impinging directly or indirectly on most fields of modern astronomy and astrophysics. This book provides a thorough overview of the subject, covering general concepts, methods of investigation, important results and their significance, relevant literature, and some suggestions for promising avenues of future research. Since the publication of the first edition of this popular graduate text, major advances have been made in our understanding of astrophysical dust, especially in the light of exciting new results from space and ground-based telescopes, together with advances in laboratory astrophysics and theoretical modelling. This new, expanded edition highlights the latest results and provides a context for future research opportunities.