UNCERTAINTIES IN THE STAR-COUNT ANALYSIS

We have examined how sensitively the extinction value determined by the method of star-count depends on such factors as the plate limit, the size of counting reseau, the non-linearity in the number distribution of stars with magnitude, and the angular resolution demanded by the given problem. We let the Poisson distribution portray the statistical nature of the countings, and chose the region containing the globule Barnard 361 as an example field. Uncertainties due to various combinations of the factors are presented in graphic forms: (1) Dynamic range in the extinction measurements is evaluated as a function of reseau size for varying plate limits. (2) Statistical errors involved in the star-count are analized in terms of the signal-to-noise ratio, the plate limit and the reseau size. (3) Systematic error due to the non-linearity in the number distribution are thoroughly analized. (4) Finally, a methodology is presented for correcting the systematic error in the observed radial density gradient. These graphs are meant to be used in selecting proper size of the reseau and in estimating errors inherent to the star-count analysis.