interstellar polarization The partial polarization of starlight produced by elongated dust grains aligned by magnetic fields in the interstellar medium (a mechanism the details of which not fully understood). The polarization falls off toward the ultraviolet while the amount of interstellar extinction increases. Related category INTERSTELLAR AND INTERPLANETARY MATTER Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |