Dust Processing in Galaxies Due to Massive Star Formation

Karl Gordon

Space Telescope Science Institute

Abstract: The properties of dust in nearby galaxies shows evidence for
processing due to nearby massive star formation.  This can be seen in
the ultraviolet through analysis of the starburst galaxies
observations with dust radiative transfer models and variations in
Milky Way and Magellanic Clouds UV extinction curves.  The processing
is also be seen in the infrared through Spitzer investigations of the
mid-infrared aromatic (PAH) emission from HII regions and starburst
galaxies.  These results indicate that dust grains can quickly respond
to their environment and gives clues to the nature of dust grains.