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Intermittent behavior of galactic dynamo activities

Journal Article · · Astrophysical Journal; (USA)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/167540· OSTI ID:5582026
Recent observations by Beck and Golla of far-infrared and radio continuum emission from nearby spiral galaxies suggest that the galactic magnetic field strength is connected to the current star formation rate. The role of star formation on the generation of large-scale galactic magnetic field is studied in this paper. Using a simple galactic model, it is shown how the galactic dynamo depends strongly on the turbulent velocity of the interstellar medium. When the star formation efficiency is high, the ISM is churned which in turn amplifies the galactic magnetic field. Between active star formation epochs, the magnetic field is in dormant state and decays at a negligible rate. If density waves trigger star formation, then they also turn on the otherwise dormant dynamo. 52 refs.
OSTI ID:
5582026
Journal Information:
Astrophysical Journal; (USA), Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal; (USA) Vol. 341; ISSN ASJOA; ISSN 0004-637X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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