Does Interstellar Extinction Change the Angular Size of Star Clusters?

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SUMMARY

The discussion confirms that interstellar extinction does not alter the observed angular size of star clusters. While dust makes stars appear dimmer and alters their observed color, it does not affect the angular size measurement of a star cluster located 100 parsecs away. This conclusion is based on the assumption of a smooth distribution of dust, which influences brightness but not angular dimensions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of interstellar extinction and its effects on light
  • Familiarity with angular size measurement in astronomy
  • Knowledge of parsecs as a unit of distance in astrophysics
  • Basic concepts of star clusters and their characteristics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of interstellar extinction on stellar brightness and color
  • Study angular size measurement techniques in astronomy
  • Explore the properties and classifications of star clusters
  • Investigate the role of dust in astrophysical observations
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Astronomers, astrophysics students, and researchers interested in the effects of interstellar medium on stellar observations.

randa177
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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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