Unveiling the Hidden: Uncovering Fluctuations in Extragalactic Magnetic Fields
Stanford astrophysicists have conducted a groundbreaking study comparing magnetic fields in different physical environments of nearby galaxies. Using infrared signals from magnetically aligned dust grains and radio observations, they found that areas with greater star formation had stronger and more chaotic magnetic fields. The study suggests that spiral arms have tangled magnetic fields due to star formation activity, while regions between the arms and above and below the galactic disk have well-ordered magnetic fields, potentially influenced by galaxy rotation. The findings provide insights into the role of magnetic fields in galaxy evolution and the relationship between magnetic fields and star-forming areas. Further research will involve three-dimensional studies of magnetic fields in other galaxies and observations with higher angular resolution.