A Model for Interstellar Extinction

From an analysis of the interstellar extinction we conclude that interstellar grains are of three main kinds: graphite spheres of radii ∼ 0.02 μmmaking up ∼ ;10% of the total grain mass, small dielectric spheres of radius about 0.04 μm making up ∼ 25% of the mass, and hollow dielectric cylinders containing metallic iron with diameters of ∼ 2/3 μmmaking up ∼ 45% of the mass. The remaining ∼ 20%consists of other metals and metal oxides. The main dielectric component of the grains appears to be comprised of organic material.