Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2008-03-12
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
32 pages, 14 figures, 8 tables. Accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal v680n2, June 20, 2008; corrected 2 typos
Scientific paper
10.1086/588031
We have measured the Zeeman splitting of OH megamaser emission at 1667 MHz from five (ultra)luminous infrared galaxies ([U]LIRGs) using the 305 m Arecibo telescope and the 100 m Green Bank Telescope. Five of eight targeted galaxies show significant Zeeman-splitting detections, with 14 individual masing components detected and line-of-sight magnetic field strengths ranging from ~0.5-18 mG. The detected field strengths are similar to those measured in Galactic OH masers, suggesting that the local process of massive star formation occurs under similar conditions in (U)LIRGs and the Galaxy, in spite of the vastly different large-scale environments. Our measured field strengths are also similar to magnetic field strengths in (U)LIRGs inferred from synchrotron observations, implying that milligauss magnetic fields likely pervade most phases of the interstellar medium in (U)LIRGs. These results provide a promising new tool for probing the astrophysics of distant galaxies.
Heiles Carl
Quataert Eliot
Robishaw Timothy
No associations
LandOfFree
Extragalactic Zeeman Detections in OH Megamasers 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 Extragalactic Zeeman Detections in OH Megamasers, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Extragalactic Zeeman Detections in OH Megamasers will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-69194