Using a combination of different methods, the scientists visualized the ordered and chaotic magnetic fields of the galaxy NGC 4217. NGC 4217 is similar to the Milky Way galaxy and is only 67 million light-years away, in the Ursa Major constellation.
Galaxy NGC 4217 has a wealth of shapes, including superbubbles, giant loops, and X-shaped magnetic field structures. How such structures form is a mystery. This new study offers some clues about it.
An international research team has analyzed the magnetic field of the Milky Way-like galaxy NGC 4217 in detail based on radio astronomical observations and has found as yet unknown magnetic field structures. The data proposes that star formation and starbursts, called supernovae, are responsible for the visible structures.
Yelena Stein, who began the study at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum Chair of Astronomy with Professor Ralf-Jürgen Dettmar, said: “The data analyzed was compiled in the project” Continuous Halos in Nearby Galaxies, where radio waves were used to measure 35 galaxies. Galaxy NGC 4217 is of particular interest to us. “
By evaluating the NGC 4217 data, the scientists found several notable structures. The galaxy has an X-shaped magnetic field structure, which has also been observed in other galaxies, that extends far beyond the galaxy’s disk, that is, more than 20,000 light years.
Furthermore, it has a helical structure and two large bubble structures, also called superbubbles. The latter originate in places where many massive stars explode as supernovae, but also where stars are formed that emit stellar winds in the process. Scientists, therefore, suspect a connection between these phenomena.
Rainer Beck of MPIfR in Bonn, one of the study’s authors, said: “It is fascinating that we discover unexpected phenomena in every galaxy every time we use radio polarization measurements. Here at NGC 4217, it’s all about huge magnetic gas bubbles and a helical magnetic field spiraling up into the galaxy’s halo. “
Yelena Stein said: “The analysis also revealed large loop structures in the magnetic fields along with the entire galaxy. This has never been observed before. We suspect that the structures are caused by the formation of stars because at these points matter is thrown out. “
“Visualizing the data was important to me. Because when you think of galaxies, magnetic fields are not the first thing that comes to mind, although they can be gigantic and show unique structures. The image is supposed to shift the magnetic fields more towards the focus. “
Magazine reference:
- Y. Stein et al. XXI Transport processes and the X-shaped magnetic field of NGC 4217: off-center super bubble structure estructura. DOI: 10.1051 / 0004-6361 / 202037675
