Despite their ubiquity, there are many open questions regarding galactic and cosmic magnetic fields. Specifically, current observational constraints cannot rule out if magnetic fields observed in galaxies were generated in the Early Universe or are of astrophysical nature…
… Motivated by this we use our magnetic tracers algorithm to investigate whether the signatures of primordial magnetic fields persist in galaxies throughout cosmic time. We simulate a Milky Way-like galaxy in four scenarios: magnetised solely by primordial magnetic fields, magnetised exclusively by SN-injected magnetic fields, and two combined primordial + SN magnetisation cases.
We find that once primordial magnetic fields with a comoving strength B0>10−12 G are considered, they remain the primary source of galaxy magnetisation. Our magnetic tracers show that, even combined with galactic sources of magnetisation, when primordial magnetic fields are strong, they source the large-scale fields in the warm metal-poor phase of the simulated galaxy. In this case, the circumgalactic and intergalactic medium can be used to probe B0 without risk of pollution by magnetic fields originated in the galaxy.
Furthermore, whether magnetic fields are primordial or astrophysically-sourced can be inferred by studying local gas metallicity. As a result, we predict that future state-of-the-art observational facilities of magnetic fields in galaxies will have the potential to unravel astrophysical and primordial magnetic components of our Universe.
Unraveling the origin of magnetic fields in galaxies
Everything Is Electric?
The Earths Van Allen belt was not expected to give scientists surprises but recent reports and data from NASA's Van Allen Probes have revealed 3 massive surprising finds. The Va...
Low or no thermal signals for Io's volcanic explosion plumes. No need for volcanic heat. Ionised gases (plasma) containing dust like electrochemical particles moving in, th...
What do you get when you add a theoretical physicist with a radio astronomer? A binary pair? A parent of binary twins? And mix that result with actual observations but interpreted ...