scholarly journals Is there a left-handed magnetic field in the solar neighborhood?

2019 ◽  
Vol 621 ◽  
pp. A97 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Bracco ◽  
S. Candelaresi ◽  
F. Del Sordo ◽  
A. Brandenburg
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Power Spectra ◽  
Field Structure ◽  
Solar Neighborhood ◽  
Galactic Magnetic Field ◽  
Polarization Data ◽  
Left Handed ◽  
Cross Correlations

Context. The analysis of the full-sky Planck polarization data at 850 μm revealed unexpected properties of the E- and B-mode power spectra of dust emission in the interstellar medium (ISM). The positive cross-correlations over a wide range of angular scales between the total dust intensity, T, and both E and (most of all) B modes has raised new questions about the physical mechanisms that affect dust polarization, such as the Galactic magnetic field structure. This is key both to better understanding ISM dynamics and to accurately describing Galactic foregrounds to the polarization of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). In particular, in the quest to find primordial B modes of the CMB, the observed positive cross-correlation between T and B for interstellar dust requires further investigation towards parity-violating processes in the ISM. Aims. In this theoretical paper we investigate the possibility that the observed cross-correlations in the dust polarization power spectra, and specifically the one between T and B, can be related to a parity-odd quantity in the ISM such as the magnetic helicity. Methods. We produce synthetic dust polarization data, derived from 3D analytical toy models of density structures and helical magnetic fields, to compare with the E and B modes of observations. We present several models. The first is an ideal fully helical isotropic case, such as the Arnold-Beltrami-Childress field. Second, following the nowadays favored interpretation of the T–E signal in terms of the observed alignment between the magnetic field morphology and the filamentary density structure of the diffuse ISM, we design models for helical magnetic fields wrapped around cylindrical interstellar filaments. Lastly, focusing on the observed T–B correlation, we propose a new line of interpretation of the Planck observations advocating the presence of a large-scale helical component of the Galactic magnetic field in the solar neighborhood. Results. Our analysis shows that: I) the sign of magnetic helicity does not affect E and B modes for isotropic magnetic-field configurations; II) helical magnetic fields threading interstellar filaments cannot reproduce the Planck results; and III) a weak helical left-handed magnetic field structure in the solar neighborhood may explain the T–B correlation seen in the Planck data. Such a magnetic-field configuration would also account for the observed large-scale T–E correlation. Conclusions. This work suggests a new perspective for the interpretation of the dust polarization power spectra that supports the imprint of a large-scale structure of the Galactic magnetic field in the solar neighborhood.

scholarly journals A study of the regular structure of the galactic magnetic field using WMAP5 polarization data at 22 GHz

2008 ◽  
Vol 4 (S259) ◽  
pp. 573-576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatriz Ruiz-Granados ◽  
J. A. Rubiño-Martín ◽  
E. Battaner
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Regular Structure ◽  
Distribution Functions ◽  
Likelihood Method ◽  
Galactic Magnetic Field ◽  
Polarization Data ◽  
3 Dimensional ◽  
Large Scale Magnetic Field ◽  
Parameter Values

AbstractWe study the spatial structure of the 3-dimensional large-scale pattern of the Galactic Magnetic Field using the polarization maps obtained by the WMAP satellite at 22 GHz. By using five different models of the large-scale magnetic field of the Milky Way and a model for the cosmic rays distribution, we predict the expected polarized synchrotron emission. Those maps are compared to the observed 22 GHz polarization data using a Maximum Likelihood method. For each model, we obtain the parameter values which better reproduce the data and obtain their marginal probability distribution functions. We find that the model that best reproduces the observed polarization maps is an “axisymmetric” model.

scholarly journals Evolution of a Filament/CH/Magnetic Field Complex

1998 ◽  
Vol 167 ◽  
pp. 393-396
Author(s):  
B.A. Ioshpa ◽  
E.I. Mogilevsky ◽  
V.N. Obridko
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Active Region ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Coronal Holes ◽  
Field Structure ◽  
Potential Approximation ◽  
Magnetic Field Structure ◽  
Single Complex ◽  
The Magnetic Field

AbstractSOHO and YOHKOH images, as well as Hα filtergrams and magnetograms from IZMIRAN have been used to analyze the evolution of the related solar phenomena – filament, active region, and accompanying pair of coronal holes – during six solar rotations, with an emphasis on the events observed during August–September, 1996. The whole complex has been considered against the large–scale magnetic fields calculated under the potential approximation. A peculiar point has been found along the changing filament. It is shown that the phenomena under investigation (filament, active region, and coronal hole) form a single complex connected with the magnetic field structure.

scholarly journals 8.14. Magnetic fields in star-forming regions of our Galaxy

1998 ◽  
Vol 184 ◽  
pp. 371-372
Author(s):  
B. Hutawarakorn ◽  
R. J. Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Zeeman Splitting ◽  
Theoretical Work ◽  
Field Configuration ◽  
Galactic Magnetic Field ◽  
Star Forming ◽  
Star Forming Regions ◽  
The Magnetic Field

Masers provide a direct way of measuring magnetic fields in star-forming regions. OH ground-state masers at 18 cm wavelength exhibit strong circular polarization due to Zeeman splitting. The implied magnetic field strength is typically a few mG, which is sufficient for the field to be dynamically important, e.g. in channelling the observed bipolar outflows. Moreover there are indications that magnetic fields in maser regions are aligned with the large-scale Galactic magnetic field (Reid & Silverstein 1990), and that bipolar molecular outflows are also aligned with the local Galactic magnetic field (Cohen, Rowland & Blair 1984). Some theoretical work in fact suggests that the magnetic field is intimately connected with the origin of the molecular outflow (e.g. Pudritz & Norman 1983; Uchida & Shibata 1985). It is therefore important to investigate the magnetic field configuration in these regions in as much detail as possible.

scholarly journals Observational signatures of magnetic field structure in relativistic AGN jets

2019 ◽  
Vol 622 ◽  
pp. A122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Prior ◽  
Konstantinos N. Gourgouliatos
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Black Hole ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Radio Emission ◽  
Faraday Rotation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Field Structure ◽  
Synchrotron Emission ◽  
Supermassive Black Hole ◽  
Rotation Measure

Context. Active galactic nuclei (AGN) launch highly energetic jets sometimes outshining their host galaxy. These jets are collimated outflows that have been accelerated near a supermassive black hole located at the centre of the galaxy. Their, virtually indispensable, energy reservoir is either due to gravitational energy released from accretion or due to the extraction of kinetic energy from the rotating supermassive black hole itself. In order to channel part of this energy to the jet, though, the presence of magnetic fields is necessary. The extent to which these magnetic fields survive in the jet further from the launching region is under debate. Nevertheless, observations of polarised emission and Faraday rotation measure confirm the existence of large scale magnetic fields in jets. Aims. Various models describing the origin of the magnetic fields in AGN jets lead to different predictions about the large scale structure of the magnetic field. In this paper we study the observational signatures of different magnetic field configurations that may exist in AGN jets in order to asses what kind of information regarding the field structure can be obtained from radio emission, and what would be missed. Methods. We explore three families of magnetic field configurations. First, a force-free helical magnetic field corresponding to a dynamically relaxed field in the rest frame of the jet. Second, a magnetic field with a co-axial cable structure arising from the Biermann-battery effect at the accretion disk. Third, a braided magnetic field that could be generated by turbulent motion at the accretion disk. We evaluate the intensity of synchrotron emission, the intrinsic polarization profile and the Faraday rotation measure arising from these fields. We assume that the jet consists of a relativistic spine where the radiation originates from and a sheath containing thermalised electrons responsible for the Faraday screening. We evaluate these values for a range of viewing angles and Lorentz factors. We account for Gaussian beaming that smooths the observed profile. Results. Radio emission distributions from the jets with dominant large-scale helical fields show asymmetry across their width. The Faraday rotation asymmetry is the same for fields with opposing chirality (handedness). For jets which are tilted towards the observer the synchrotron emission and fractional polarization can distinguish the field’s chirality. When viewed either side-on or at a Blazar type angle only the fractional polarization can make this distinction. Further this distinction can only be made if the direction of the jet propagation velocity is known, along with the location of the jet’s origin. The complex structure of the braided field is found not to be observable due to a combination of line of sight integration and limited resolution of observation. This raises the possibility that, even if asymmetric radio emission signatures are present, the true structure of the field may still be obscure.

scholarly journals Practical Modeling of Large-Scale Galactic Magnetic Fields: Status and Prospects

Galaxies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tess R. Jaffe
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Galactic Magnetic Field ◽  
Galactic Magnetic Fields ◽  
The Status

This is a review of the status of efforts to model the large-scale Galactic magnetic field (GMF). Though important for a variety of astrophysical processes, the GMF remains poorly understood despite some interesting new tracers being used in the field. Though we still have too many models that might fit the data, this is not to say that the field has not developed in the last few years. In particular, surveys of polarized dust have given us a new observable that is complementary to the more traditional radio tracers, and a variety of other new tracers and related measurements are becoming available to improve current modeling. This paper reviews: the tracers available; the models that have been studied; what has been learned so far; what the caveats and outstanding issues are; and one opinion of where the most promising future avenues of exploration lie.

scholarly journals Large Scale Variations in Solar Coronal Density and Magnetic Fields

1977 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 17-17
Author(s):  
R. M. McQueen
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Solar Surface ◽  
Coronal Magnetic Field ◽  
Field Structure ◽  
Surface Field ◽  
Abrupt Changes ◽  
Coronal Density ◽  
Coronal Structures

Observations of the solar equatorial electron scattered coronal radiance made during the Skylab mission show characteristics which dramatically differ with time. The results may be interpreted as indicating a general simplification of the coronal magnetic field, and, in comparison with harmonic analysis of observed solar surface magnetic fields, as indicating a rapid response of outer coronal structures to abrupt changes in the global solar surface field structure.

scholarly journals MAGMO: Mapping the Galactic Magnetic field through OH masers

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (H16) ◽  
pp. 402-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
James A. Green ◽  
Naomi M. McClure-Griffiths ◽  
James L. Caswell ◽  
Tim Robishaw ◽  
Lisa Harvey-Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Star Formation ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Ground State ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Zeeman Splitting ◽  
High Mass ◽  
Mass Star ◽  
Galactic Magnetic Field ◽  
Maser Emission

AbstractWe are undertaking a project (MAGMO) to examine large-scale magnetic fields pervading regions of high-mass star formation. The project will test if the orientations of weak large-scale magnetic fields can be maintained in the contraction (and field amplification) to the high densities encountered in high-mass star forming regions. This will be achieved through correlating targeted observations of ground-state hydroxyl (OH) maser emission towards hundreds of sites of high-mass star formation spread throughout the spiral arms of the Milky Way. Through the Zeeman splitting of the OH maser emission these observations will determine the strength and orientation of the in-situ magnetic field. The completion of the southern hemisphere Methanol Multibeam survey has provided an abundance of targets for ground-state OH maser observations, approximately 1000 sites of high-mass star formation. With this sample, much larger and more homogeneous than previously available, we will have the statistics necessary to outweigh random fluctuations and observe an underlying Galactic magnetic field if it exists. We presented details of the overall progress of the project illustrated by the results of a pilot sample of sources towards the Carina-Sagittarius spiral arm tangent, where a coherent field is implied.

scholarly journals An 84-μG Magnetic Field in a Galaxy at Z=0.692?

2008 ◽  
Vol 4 (S254) ◽  
pp. 95-96
Author(s):  
Arthur M. Wolfe ◽  
Regina A. Jorgenson ◽  
Timothy Robishaw ◽  
Carl Heiles ◽  
Jason X. Prochaska
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Faraday Rotation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Dynamo Model ◽  
Magnetic Field Generation ◽  
Interstellar Gas ◽  
Splitting Technique ◽  
Average Value ◽  
The Magnetic Field

AbstractThe magnetic field pervading our Galaxy is a crucial constituent of the interstellar medium: it mediates the dynamics of interstellar clouds, the energy density of cosmic rays, and the formation of stars (Beck 2005). The field associated with ionized interstellar gas has been determined through observations of pulsars in our Galaxy. Radio-frequency measurements of pulse dispersion and the rotation of the plane of linear polarization, i.e., Faraday rotation, yield an average value B ≈ 3 μG (Han et al. 2006). The possible detection of Faraday rotation of linearly polarized photons emitted by high-redshift quasars (Kronberg et al. 2008) suggests similar magnetic fields are present in foreground galaxies with redshifts z > 1. As Faraday rotation alone, however, determines neither the magnitude nor the redshift of the magnetic field, the strength of galactic magnetic fields at redshifts z > 0 remains uncertain.Here we report a measurement of a magnetic field of B ≈ 84 μG in a galaxy at z =0.692, using the same Zeeman-splitting technique that revealed an average value of B = 6 μG in the neutral interstellar gas of our Galaxy (Heiles et al. 2004). This is unexpected, as the leading theory of magnetic field generation, the mean-field dynamo model, predicts large-scale magnetic fields to be weaker in the past, rather than stronger (Parker 1970).The full text of this paper was published in Nature (Wolfe et al. 2008).

scholarly journals No-z Model for Magnetic Fields of Different Astrophysical Objects and Stability of the Solutions

Data ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Evgeny Mikhailov ◽  
Daniela Boneva ◽  
Maria Pashentseva
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Accretion Discs ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Astrophysical Objects ◽  
Alpha Effect ◽  
The Stability ◽  
The Magnetic Field

A wide range of astrophysical objects, such as the Sun, galaxies, stars, planets, accretion discs etc., have large-scale magnetic fields. Their generation is often based on the dynamo mechanism, which is connected with joint action of the alpha-effect and differential rotation. They compete with the turbulent diffusion. If the dynamo is intensive enough, the magnetic field grows, else it decays. The magnetic field evolution is described by Steenbeck—Krause—Raedler equations, which are quite difficult to be solved. So, for different objects, specific two-dimensional models are used. As for thin discs (this shape corresponds to galaxies and accretion discs), usually, no-z approximation is used. Some of the partial derivatives are changed by the algebraic expressions, and the solenoidality condition is taken into account as well. The field generation is restricted by the equipartition value and saturates if the field becomes comparable with it. From the point of view of mathematical physics, they can be characterized as stable points of the equations. The field can come to these values monotonously or have oscillations. It depends on the type of the stability of these points, whether it is a node or focus. Here, we study the stability of such points and give examples for astrophysical applications.

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