Magnetic monopoles and the survival of galactic magnetic fields

Journal Article · Wed Sep 15 04:00:00 EDT 1982 · Phys. Rev. D; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.26.1296· OSTI ID:7063758

Turner, M S; Parker, E N; Bogdan, T J

The most stringent, mass-independent limit on the flux of magnetic monopoles is based upon the survival of the galactic magnetic fields, the so-called ''Parker limit'': F< or approx. =10/sup -16/ cm/sup -2/sr/sup -1/sec/sup -1/. We reexamine this limit, taking into account the monopole's mass and velocity distribution, and the observed structure of the galactic magnetic field. We derive flux limits which depend upon the monopole's mass and velocity, and the strength, coherence length, and regeneration time of the galactic magnetic field. The largest monopole flux consistent with both the survival of the galactic magnetic field and the bounds from the mass density contributed by monopoles is Fapprox. =10/sup -12/ cm/sup -2/sr/sup -1/sec/sup -1/, arising for monopoles of mass approx. =10/sup 19/ GeV with velocity approx. =3 x 10/sup -3/c which cluster with the Galaxy. An observed flux greater than this would have profound implications for our understanding of the galactic magnetic field, and we briefly explore some exotic possibilities. Of course, this bound is not applicable to a local source (e.g., the Sun, atmospheric cosmic-ray production, etc.).

• Research Organization: Astronomy and Astrophysics Center, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637
• OSTI ID: 7063758
• Journal Information: Phys. Rev. D; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. D; (United States) Vol. 26:6; ISSN PRVDA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics &amp; Cosmology-- Galaxies
645400 -- High Energy Physics-- Field Theory
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
GALAXIES
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETIC MONOPOLES
MASS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MONOPOLES
PARTICLE MODELS
POSTULATED PARTICLES
SYMMETRY BREAKING
UNIFIED GAUGE MODELS
UNIVERSE