Related papers: Primordial Magnetic Fields that Last?
Magnetism is one of the four fundamental forces. However, the origin of magnetic fields in stars, galaxies and clusters is an open problem in astrophysics and fundamental physics. When and how were the first fields generated? Are…
Different mechanisms which may possibly explain existence of magnetic fields on astronomically large scales are described. A recently suggested model of magnetic fields generation slightly before hydrogen recombination is discussed in more…
(abridged) We suggest here that the large scale fields $\sim \mu$G, observed in galaxies at both high and low redshifts by Faraday Rotation Measurements (FRMs), have their origin in the electromagnetic fluctuations that naturally occurred…
We show that the decaying magnetohydrodynamic turbulence leads to a more rapid growth of the correlation length of a primordial magnetic field than that caused by the expansion of the Universe. As an example, we consider the magnetic fields…
Primordial magnetic fields generated in the early universe are subject of considerable investigation, and observational limits on their strength are required to constrain the theory. Due to their impact on the reionization process, the…
The origin and growth of magnetic fields in galaxies is still something of an enigma. It is generally assumed that seed fields are amplified over time through the dynamo effect, but there are few constraints on the timescale. It has…
Magnetic fields constitute an energetic component of the interstellar medium in galaxies and hence can affect the formation of galactic structures. Sensitive resolved radio continuum observations together with statistical studies in galaxy…
The origin of large-scale magnetic fields, detected in some low-mass (dwarf and irregular) galaxies via polarised synchrotron emission and Faraday rotation, remained unexplained for a long time. We suggest that mean-field dynamo can be…
We show that the relatively strong magnetic fields ($\ge 1 \mu$G) in high redshift objects can be explained by the combined action of an evolving protogalactic fluctuation and electrodynamic processes providing the magnetic seed fields.…
The existence of large-scale magnetic fields in galaxies is well established, but there is no accepted mechanism for generating a primordial field which could grow into what is observed today. We discuss a model which attempts to account…
A small fraction of the population of intermediate-mass and massive stars host strong and stable magnetic fields organised on large scales. These fields are believed to be remnants of star formation. It is however not clear how such fossil…
In early-type stars a fossil magnetic field may be generated during the star formation process or be the result of a stellar merger event. Surface magnetic fields are thought to be erased by (sub)surface convection layers, which typically…
The origin of interstellar and intergalactic magnetic fields remains largely unknown. One possibility is that they are related to the primordial magnetic fields (PMFs) produced by, for instance, the phase transitions of the early Universe.…
Magnetic fields correlated on several kiloparsec scales are seen in spiral galaxies. Their origin could be due to amplification of a small seed field by a turbulent galactic dynamo. We critically review the current status of the galactic…
Magnetic fields play a vital role in numerous astrophysical processes such as star formation and the interstellar medium. In particular, their role in the formation and evolution of galaxies is not well understood. This paper presents…
We show that the first structures that form in the universe should spontaneously generate magnetic fields. No primordial seed field is required for this "first dynamo". Although the first dynamo starts with kinetic plasma instabilities, we…
The origin of magnetic fields in the Universe is an open problem in astrophysics and fundamental physics. Our present-day knowledge is limited to regions of strong magnetic fields and to star-forming disks of galaxies. Low-energy electrons…
(abridged) A detailed examination of the evolution of stochastic magnetic fields between high cosmic temperatures and the present epoch is presented. A simple analytical model matching the results of the 3D MHD simulations allows for the…
Microgauss magnetic fields are observed in all galaxies at low and high redshifts. The origin of these intense magnetic fields is a challenging question in astrophysics. We show here that the natural plasma fluctuations in the primordial…
We propose that strong magnetic fields should be generated at shock waves associated with formation of galaxies or clusters of galaxies by the Weibel instability, an instability in collisionless plasmas. The strength of the magnetic fields…