X-Ray Scattering on the Interstellar Dust

The interaction of X-rays with interstellar dust leads to small angle scattering. X-ray sources behind sufficiently dense dust columns are therefore surrounded by haloes of faint and diffuse X-ray emission. Since these X-ray sources are also highly absorbed, X-ray observations offer the unique opportunity to measure both components of interstellar extinction simultaneously. This method provides an excellent means of determining interstellar gas to dust ratios, a differentiation between interstellar and circumstellar matter, and, last but not least, a clue to the physical nature of dust itself. In particular we have a plausible explanation why the supernova- explosion in Cassiopaea 300 years ago, of which we know today the remnant Cas A, has not been seen. Furthermore, we find that dust grains must be ‘fluffy’ or porous with voids up to 70%.