Magnetic Fields in the Irregular Galaxy NGC1156
Abstract
The magnetic fields of irregular galaxies may be important in their interstellar medium; however, not much is currently known about them. We have obtained continuum polarization observations from the VLA and Effelsberg telescopes of the irregular galaxy NGC 1156 to increase the sample of irregular galaxies with observed magnetic field structures. Significant polarization emission was observed at all three observed frequencies in the galaxy which shows the presence of the magnetic field and allows for study of its properties. From these data we obtain the synchrotron fraction, magnetic field strength, and magnetic field orientation. The rotation measure between the 6cm and 3cm observations provides information about the magnetic field strength and direction along the line of sight. Finally we compare the magnetic field strengths with the other forces in the galaxy including the hot, warm, and cold gas pressures to determine the dominant force in the galaxy and role of the magnetic field.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #223
- Pub Date:
- January 2014
- Bibcode:
- 2014AAS...22335517S