Interstellar dust

1. Oct 23, 2007

randa177

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Suppose that the density of interstellar dust is uniform along the direction of the plane of the galaxy, but that its vertical density is given approximately by

$$\rho$$ = $$\rho$$ $$\o$$ exp - ( z / 0.15 )^2

where z is the distance from the plane of our galaxy in kpc. If the net extinction perpendicular to the galactic plane is 0.4 magnitudes (i.e. integrated from the mid-plane to infinity), find the extinction to an object in the galactic center, 8 kc away (and where z=0), and the ratio of the number of photons before and after the extinction

2. Relevant equations

Please see attachment

3. The attempt at a solution

I am very confused, no clue!

Attached Files:

• needed formulas.doc
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2. Oct 23, 2007

randa177

Here the (phi) symbol stands for (o)

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