Does Interstellar Extinction Change the Angular Size of Star Clusters?

AI Thread Summary
Interstellar extinction causes stars to appear dimmer and more distant than they are, affecting both individual stars and star clusters. The discussion centers on whether dust impacts the observed angular size of a star cluster, particularly when the dust distribution is smooth. It concludes that adding dust extinction does not change the observed angular size of a star cluster; instead, it only reduces brightness and alters the observed color. Therefore, while dust affects visibility, it does not influence angular measurements. The effects of interstellar extinction are primarily related to brightness and color perception, not size.
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The presence of interstellar extinction makes stars appear dimmer and appear more “distant” than they truly are. (This is true for individual stars and for clusters of stars). Does dust affect the observed angular size of a star cluster (assuming the distribution of the dust is smooth)? That is, suppose there was a star cluster located 100 pc away. Would adding dust extinction affect its observed angular size?
 
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No the dust just reduces the apparent brightness, and changes the obserserved colour.
 

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