The Interstellar Dust Properties of Nearby Galaxies

Abstract

This article gives an overview of the constitution, physical conditions, and observables of dust in the interstellar medium of nearby galaxies. We first review the macroscopic, spatial distribution of dust in these objects and its consequences for our ability to study grain physics. We also discuss the possibility of using dust tracers as diagnostic tools. We then survey the current understanding of the microscopic, intrinsic properties of dust in different environments, derived from different observables: emission, extinction, polarization, and depletions, over the whole electromagnetic spectrum. Finally, we summarize the clues about grain evolution, evidenced either on local scales or over cosmic time. We put in perspective the different evolution scenarios. We attempt a comprehensive presentation of the main observational constraints, analysis methods, and modeling frameworks of the distinct processes. We discuss neither the dust properties of the Milky Way and distant galaxies, nor circumstellar or active galactic nucleus torus dust.