Abstract
The observed polarization of starlight is regarded as being due to absorption by interstellar dust. A mechanism for alignment of the dust grains, due to Davis and Greenstein, is analyzed. A dissipative torque, due to paramagnetic relaxation in the grains, tends to line up a spinning dust grain in the interstellar magnetic field. This aligning torque is opposed by the randomizing effect of collisions with interstellar hydrogen. The aim of this paper is to find the distribution of orientations which results. The analysis is carried out through use of the Fokker-Planck equation. The solution is carried to completion for the case of small magnetic fields and nearly spherical dust grains, and the resulting polarization parameter is found. The spectrum of relaxation times due to the collisions is also found.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
