MAGNETICGALS: Magnetized galaxies through cosmic time

MAGNETICGALS

Knowing the strength and morphology of the galactic magnetic field lies at the heart of virtually all the outstanding problems in galactic astrophysics. If strong enough, the magnetic field can shape the interstellar medium and determine the rate and outcome of star formation. However, no observational method, existing or under development, can measure the full magnetic vector. We need self-consistent numerical models of the magnetic field evolution, both in order to complete our galactic evolution theories and to interpret the increasing volume of polarization observations.

MAGNETICGALS is an HFRI project led by Dr. E. Ntormousi, that will simulate galaxies of different ages, masses and metallicities, with magnetization. The comparison between these different models will constrain the role of magnetic fields in galactic evolution. Technically, MAGNETICGALS poses a challenge that pushes our numerical tools to a new era. Physically, it opens a meaningful conversation between models and observations of the Galactic magnetic field.

Related Research Area(s) : Galaxies Star Formation