ePrints

The origin of large-scale magnetic fields in low-mass galaxies

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Anvar ShukurovORCiD, Professor Kandaswamy Subramanian

Downloads

• Published version [.pdf]

Licence

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

Abstract

© 2019 by the authors.The origin of large-scale magnetic fields, detected in some low-mass (dwarf and irregular) galaxies via polarised synchrotron emission and Faraday rotation, has remained unexplained for a long time. We suggest that mean-field dynamos can be active in galaxies of this class despite their slow rotation because their discs are relatively thick. Earlier assessments of the possibility of the mean-field dynamo action in low-mass galaxies relied on estimates applicable to thin discs, such as those in massive spiral galaxies. Using both order-of-magnitude estimates and numerical solutions, we show that the strength of differential rotation required to amplify magnetic field reduces as the aspect ratio of the galactic gas layer increases. As in a thin disc, quadrupolar magnetic fields dominate in thick discs. Thus, the origin of large-scale magnetic fields in low-mass galaxies has been clarified. This class of galaxies provides a new ground for testing our understanding of galactic magnetism.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Bera P, Shukurov A, Subramanian K

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Galaxies

Year: 2019

Volume: 7

Issue: 4

Online publication date: 29/11/2019

Acceptance date: 26/11/2019

Date deposited: 17/02/2020

ISSN (electronic): 2075-4434

Publisher: MDPIAG

URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/galaxies7040091

DOI: 10.3390/galaxies7040091

Altmetrics

Share