Magnetic fields in elliptical galaxies
Abstract
The origin and amplification of large-scale magnetic fields in elliptical galaxies is considered. It is shown that a turbulent mean-field dynamo could produce the large-scale magnetic field strengths which are indicated by depolarization measurements of radio lobes. The maximal field strength is determined by equipartition of the energy of the amplified magnetic field with the amplifying turbulence. The main diffusion mechanism for the magnetic field in this model is reconnection. Compression and reconnection of the magnetic fields in the interstellar medium may also be an important mechanism of the transformation of supernovae energy into heating of the X-ray gas. Reconnection typically occurs on scales of maximal a few pc.
- Publication:
-
Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- July 1990
- Bibcode:
- 1990A&A...233..417L
- Keywords:
-
- Elliptical Galaxies;
- Interstellar Magnetic Fields;
- Supernovae;
- X Ray Spectroscopy;
- Depolarization;
- Interstellar Matter;
- Plasma Jets;
- Turbulent Diffusion;
- Astrophysics