Herschel Space Observatory - Theoretical Research Proposal #1019

Diagnostic Properties of Silicate Grains

Principal Investigator: Stephen Rinehart
           Institution: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

Co-Investigators:
Dominic Benford, NASA GSFC
Joseph Nuth, NASA GSFC
Ross Henry, NASA GSFC

Dollars Approved: 196671

Abstract:
Astronomical dust is ubiquitous.   It has been found in our own solar system, around
nearby stars with debris disks, in star formation regions, and even in far-distant
galaxies.  This dust shields sources from our view at optical wavelengths,
reprocesses short-wavelength light to longer wavelengths, and provides an
environment where planets can form and grow.  Herschel will provide unique
observations for studying dust within the universe; to maximize return from this
data, complementary experiments in the laboratory are critical.  We will use
measurements with a Fourier Transform Spectrometer and a new custom-built
Reflectometer to address two major questions:  1) What are the optical properties of
dust grains in the FIR?  and 2) How do these properties vary as a function of
wavelength and temperature?