Testing Galactic Magnetic Field Models using Near-Infrared Polarimetry

Details Testing Galactic Magnetic Field Models using Near-Infrared Polarimetry Testing Galactic Magnetic Field Models using Near-Infrared Polarimetry

2012-02-05

arxiv.org/abs/1202.1020v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Galaxy Astrophysics

11 pages, 10 figures, Accepted for publication in ApJ

Scientific paper

This work combines new observations of NIR starlight linear polarimetry with previously simulated observations in order to constrain dynamo models of the Galactic magnetic field. Polarimetric observations were obtained with the Mimir instrument on the Perkins Telescope in Flagstaff, AZ, along a line of constant Galactic longitude (\ell = 150\circ) with 17 pointings of the 10' \times 10' field of view between -75\circ < b < 10\circ, with more frequent pointings towards the Galactic midplane. A total of 10,962 stars were photometrically measured and 1,116 had usable polarizations. The observed distribution of polarization position angles with Galactic latitude and the cumulative distribution function of the measured polarizations are compared to predicted values. While the predictions lack the effects of turbulence and are therefore idealized, this comparison allows significant rejection of A0-type magnetic field models. S0 and disk-even halo-odd magnetic field geometries are also rejected by the observations, but at lower significance. New predictions of spiral-type, axisymmetric magnetic fields, when combined with these new NIR observations, constrain the Galactic magnetic field spiral pitch angle to -6\circ \pm 2\circ.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Testing Galactic Magnetic Field Models using Near-Infrared Polarimetry does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Testing Galactic Magnetic Field Models using Near-Infrared Polarimetry, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Testing Galactic Magnetic Field Models using Near-Infrared Polarimetry will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-117599