Abstract
Methods of investigating interstellar magnetic fields in spiral galaxies are reviewed. Linearly polarized radio continuum emission yields information about strength and structure of the field. Data are available for our Galaxy and several nearby galaxies. The field strengths vary between 3 and 13 , μG; a correlation with the average surface mass density of the galaxies is indicated. The field of M31 is probably concentrated in a ring-like torus, as predicted by the dynamo theory. The field structure of M33, however, appears to be bisymmetric as expected in the primordial theory of field origin. Other candidates for a bisymmetric field structure are M51, M81, M83, NGC 2903, and NGC 6946, but the observations are not yet conclusive. The magnetic field in IC 342 is too complicated to be described in terms of a simple model. The interaction processes between the field and the various components of interstellar gas should be investigated in more detail.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callSimilar Papers
More From: IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
