Dust between stars makes up 1% of the mass of the interstellar medium, but reflects 30% of starlight in the infrared. It plays a key role in the formation of stars and the evolution of the Galaxy.
Using annihilation techniques, scientists analyzed the scattering and absorption of starlight by dust particles, allowing them to study dust clouds in three dimensions. This also causes short wavelength radiation from stars to be absorbed, making them appear redder. Scientists created a three-dimensional map of dust clouds by taking into account distance measurements to stars.
The European Space Agency’s astrometric observatory Gai played a key role in this research by providing precise data on the positions and distances of stars in the galaxy. The dust map goes deeper into space with higher resolution than ever before.
Source: Ferra
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