Related papers: Statistical tests of galactic dynamo theory
In recent years, several optimal dynamos have been discovered. They minimize the magnetic energy dissipation or, equivalently, maximize the growth rate at a fixed magnetic Reynolds number. In the optimal dynamo of Willis (2012, Phys. Rev.…
Solar, stellar and galactic large-scale magnetic fields are originated due to a combined action of non-uniform (differential) rotation and helical motions of plasma via mean-field dynamos. Usually, nonlinear mean-field dynamo theories take…
The origin of large-scale and coherent magnetic fields in astrophysical discs is an important and long standing problem. Researchers commonly appeal to a turbulent dynamo, sustained by the magneto-rotational instability (MRI), to supply the…
The formation and evolution of a wide class of astrophysical objects is governed by turbulent, magnetized accretion disks. Understanding their secular dynamics is of primary importance. Apart from enabling mass accretion via the transport…
Diffuse filaments connect galaxy clusters to form the cosmic web. Detecting these filaments could yield information on the magnetic field strength, cosmic ray population and temperature of intercluster gas, yet, the faint and large-scale…
The magnetic fields observed in the Milky~Way and nearby galaxies appear to be in equipartition with the turbulent, thermal, and cosmic ray energy densities, and hence are expected to be dynamically important. However, the origin of these…
We seek to obtain a picture of the interstellar magnetic field in the Galactic center region that is as clear and complete as possible. To that end, we review the observational knowledge that has built up over the past 25 years on…
External spiral galaxies seen edge-on exhibit X-shape magnetic fields in their halos. Whether the halo of our own Galaxy also hosts an X-shape magnetic field is still an open question. We would like to provide the necessary analytical tools…
Using a one-dimensional $\alpha\omega$-dynamo model appropriate to galaxies, we study the possibility of dynamo action driven by a stochastic alpha effect and shear. To determine the field evolution, one needs to examine a large number of…
The current state of research of the Galactic magnetic field is reviewed critically. The average (equipartition) strength of the total field derived from radio synchrotron data is 6 +/- 2 muG locally and about 10 +/- 3 muG at 3 kpc Galactic…
The strength of the total magnetic field in our Milky Way from radio Zeeman and synchrotron measurements is about 6 muG near the Sun and several mG in dense clouds, pulsar wind nebulae, and filaments near the Galactic Center. Diffuse…
We present an analytic model of a magnetized galactic halo surrounding a Mestel gravitating disc. The magnetic field is taken to be in energy equipartition with the pressure dominant rotating halo gas ({\it not} with the cosmic rays), and…
Based on an analysis of the catalog of magnetic fields, we have investigated the statistical properties of the mean magnetic fields for OB stars. We show that the mean effective magnetic field ${\cal B}$ of a star can be used as a…
Galactic outflows driven by starbursts can modify the galactic magnetic fields and drive them away from the galactic planes. Here, we quantify how these fields may magnetize the intergalactic medium. We estimate the strength and structure…
The theory of large scale dynamos is reviewed with particular emphasis on the magnetic helicity constraint in the presence of closed and open boundaries. In the presence of closed or periodic boundaries, helical dynamos respond to the…
Radio synchrotron emission, its polarization and its Faraday rotation are powerful tools to study the strength and structure of interstellar magnetic fields. The total intensity traces the strength and distribution of total magnetic fields.…
Radio synchrotron emission is a powerful tool to study the strength and structure of magnetic fields in galaxies. Unpolarized synchrotron emission traces isotropic turbulent fields which are strongest in spiral arms and bars (20-30 \mu G)…
Using the test-field method for nearly irrotational turbulence driven by spherical expansion waves it is shown that the turbulent magnetic diffusivity increases with magnetic Reynolds numbers. Its value levels off at several times the rms…
Conversion of gravitational energy into radiation in accretion discs and the origin of large scale magnetic fields in astrophysical rotators have often been distinct topics of research. In semi-analytic work on both problems it has been…
Recent spectro-polarimetric observations of solar-type stars have shown the presence of photospheric magnetic fields with a predominant toroidal component. If the external field is assumed to be current-free it is impossible to explain…