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(-0.04)(+0.02) 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 similar to 110 pc and the thickness ranged from similar to 130 at the core to similar to 50 pc 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 (similar to 10 pc) dust shell surrounds the inner X-ray cavities of hot gas at a distance of similar to 70-90 pc.