Simulation study of dust-scattered far-ultraviolet emission in the Orion-Eridanus superbubble

Abstract

We present the results of dust scattering simulations carried out for the Orion-Eridanus Superbubble region by comparing them with observations made in the far-ultraviolet. The albedo and the phase function asymmetry factor (g-factor) of interstellar grains were estimated, as were the distance and thickness of the dust layers. The results are as follows: 0.43+0.02- 0.04 for the albedo and 0.45+0.2- 0.2 for the g-factor, in good agreement with previous determinations and theoretical predictions. The distance of the assumed single dust layer, modeled for the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex, was estimated to be ∼110pc and the thickness ranged from ∼130 at the core to ∼50pc at the boundary for the region of present interest, implying that the dust cloud is located in front of the superbubble. The simulation result also indicates that a thin (∼10pc) dust shell surrounds the inner X-ray cavities of hot gas at a distance of ∼70-90pc. © © 2012. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved..