Title: The Nature of Interstellar Dust: Insights from Polarimetry

Abstract:

What is interstellar dust made of? In this talk, I will argue against conventional models that posit dust grains come in separate silicate and carbonaceous varieties. Rather, I will use observations of polarized dust emission to argue that grains are a mix of both silicate and carbonaceous materials, as well as other materials like metallic iron and iron oxides. Tests of this hypothesis and implications for the lifecycle of dust in the interstellar medium will be highlighted.