The Velocity Gradient Technique: a new way to map magnetic fields
Abstract
Turbulence and magnetic fields are ubiquitous in the interstellar medium, shaping star formation and molecular cloud dynamics. As such, it is crucial to understand their effects. Traditional techniques like dust polarization, however, are limited in their ability to probe high density or high opacity environments. To address this, we present the Velocity Gradient Technique (VGT), a new way to measure the direction and strength of magnetic fields perpendicular to the line of sight. The technique uses only spectroscopic observations and an understanding of current magnetohydrodynamic theory in the presence of turbulence. We demonstrate two applications of the VGT in the form of a map of the plane of sky galactic magnetic field and a 3D map (in velocity) of the magnetic field in the region around a forming protostellar disk.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #233
- Pub Date:
- January 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019AAS...23333402G