Whitford Public Talk: The Mysteries of Cosmic Dust

Abstract: Cosmic dust is present in space, in huge quantities.  Obscuration by
this dust dims and reddens the light reaching us from stars within the
Milky Way, and shapes the visual appearance of other galaxies (maybe
we should call it cosmic beauty powder!).  Dust is responsible for
much of the light we see from comets.  Astrophysicists now recognize
that dust is important for more than appearances — it plays an
important role the formation of stars and planets.

What is cosmic dust?  Today we have many ways to study it, ranging from
microwave frequencies to X-rays.  We can even examine actual dust
particles that were trapped in meteorites at the time of the formation
of the Solar system, and we can learn things from dust particles
striking spacecraft today.  We have learned a lot, but important
questions remain.