The Interstellar Reddening Law within 3kpc from the Sun

TL;DR

This study investigates the interstellar reddening law within 3kpc of the Sun by analyzing young open clusters using optical, near-IR, and Spitzer IRAC data to determine the total-to-selective extinction ratio Rv.

Contribution

It provides a detailed mapping of Rv variations across different galactic regions using a large sample of young open clusters, revealing regional differences in the reddening law.

Findings

Clusters in the Sgr-Car arm have higher Rv values.

Clusters in the Per arm and Cygnus region have lower Rv values.

Clusters in the Mon-CMa region show a normal Rv around 3.1.

Abstract

We have investigated the interstellar reddening law of young open clusters within 3kpc from the Sun using optical, near-IR 2MASS, and Spitzer IRAC data. The total-to-selective extinction ratio Rv of 162 young open clusters (log t{age} <= 7.3) listed in the open cluster database WEBDA is determined from the color excess ratios. The young open clusters in the Sgr-Car arm show a relatively higher $R_V$, those in the Per arm and in the Cygnus region of the local arm show a relatively smaller value, and those in the Mon-CMa region of the local arm show a normal value (Rv ~ 3.1).