Magnetic fields in galaxy halos and their importance

Abstract

The observational facts about magnetic fields in galactic halos are reviewed. The existence, origin and significance of poloidal field components are described. Observational evidence that magnetic fields channel winds from active galactic centres is discussed. Field strengths adduced from the radio polarizations of edge-on galaxies are given. Priorities for future research are suggested.     

The galactic dynamo: Axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric modes

Abstract

We discuss recent developments in the theory of large-scale magnetic structures in spiral galaxies. In addition to a review of galactic dynamo models developed for axisymmetric disks of variable thickness, we consider the possibility of dominance of non-axisymmetric magnetic modes in disks with weak deviations from axial symmetry. Difficulties of straightforward numerical simulation of galactic dynamos are discussed and asymptotic solutions of the dynamo equations relevant for galactic conditions are considered. Theoretical results are compared with observational data.     

The motion of magnetic fronts in spiral galaxies

Abstract

We study the nonlinear asymptotic thin disc approximation to the mean field dynamo equations, as applicable to spiral galaxies. The circumstances in which sharp magnetic field structures (fronts) can propagate radially are investigated, and an expression for the speed of propagation derived. We find that the speed of an interior front is proportional to η//R _? (where η is the diffusivity and R_t the galactic radius), whereas an exterior front moves with speed of order , where γ is the local growth rate of the dynamo. Numerical simulations are presented, that agree well with our asymptotic results. Further, we perform numerical experiments using the 'no-z' approximation for thin disc dynamos, and show that the propagation of magnetic fronts in this approximation can also be understood in terms of our asymptotic results.     

The Riga Dynamo Experiment

Cosmic magnetic fields, including the magnetic field of the Earth,are produced by the homogeneous dynamo effect in moving electricallyconducting fluids. We sketch the history of the underlying theoryand comment on previous attempts to realize homogeneous dynamos inthe laboratory. For the main part, we report on two series ofexperiments carried out at the Riga dynamo facility. In November1999 a slowly growing magnetic field eigenmode was observed forthe first time in a liquid metal experiment. In July 2000, themagnetic field saturation regime was studied and a number ofinteresting back-reaction effects were observed. A preliminaryinterpretation of the measured data is also presented.     

The magnetic fields of NGC 6946 and NGC 4945

Abstract

Observations of the face-on galaxy NGC 6946 are inconsistent with a simple bisymmetric large-scale field structure confined to the galactic plane; the magnetic field must also possess significant three-dimensionality. The edge-on galaxy NGC 4945 has an active nucleus and a radio halo. Linear polarization maxima on each side of the central galactic plane suggest the presence of a strongly ordered poloidal magnetic field there.     

Scaling Law for Galactic Magnetic Fields

A nonlinear mean field dynamo in turbulent disks and spherical shells is discussed. We use a nonlinearity in the dynamo which includes the effect of delayed back-reaction of the mean magnetic field on the magnetic part of the — effect. This effect is determined by an evolutionary equation. The axisymmetric case is considered. An analytical expression (in a single-mode approximation) is derived which gives the magnitude of the mean magnetic field as a function of rotation and the parameters for turbulent disks. The value obtained for the mean magnetic field is in agreement with observations for galaxies.     

东亚磁异常及其对中国东北地区地磁场的影响

利用东亚及邻区４９个地磁台１９７０－１９７９年、Ｈ、Ｚ的实测年均值，逐年计算、缓制了蒙古异常的地磁非偶极场等值图，给出了蒙古异常非偶极场Ｚｎ分量的焦点位置和强度变化及其对中国东北地区地磁场的影响量级，计算表明蒙古异常的年变化是该区地磁场年变化的主要成份。     

Rings of radio continuum,Co, Hα and magnetic fields in galaxies

Abstract

Observations are reviewed that indicate the existence of rotating rings in a number of galaxies that possess poloidal magnetic fields in their nuclear regions, including our own Galaxy. Jets from these, possibly aligned with the poloidal field, may also be present. The role of these rings in dynamo processes is briefly discussed.     

Numerical simulation of Martian historical dynamo: Impact of the Rayleigh number on the dynamo state

The observed Mars remnant magnetism suggests that there was an active dynamo in the Martian core. We use the MoSST core dynamics model to simulate the Martian historical dynamo, focusing on the variation of the dynamo states with the Rayleigh number Ra (a non-dimensional parameter describing the buoyancy force in the core). Our numerical results show that the mean field length scale does not vary monotonically with the Rayleigh number, and the field morphology at the core mantle boundary changes with Rayleigh number. In particular, it drifts westward with a speed decreasing with Rayleigh number. Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 40328006)     

Magnetic field structure in differentially rotating discs

Abstract

In order to gain a better understanding of the processes that may give rise to non-axisymmetric magnetic fields in galaxies, we have calculated field decay rates for models with a realistic galactic rotation curve and including the effects of a locally enhanced turbulent magnetic diffusivity within the disc. In all cases we have studied, the differential rotation increases the decay rate of non-axisymmetric modes, whereas axisymmetric ones are unaffected. A stronger magnetic diffusivity inside the disc does not lead to a significant preference for non-axisymmetric modes. Although Elsasser's antidynamo theorem has not yet been proved for the present case of a non-spherical distribution of the magnetic diffusivity, we do not find any evidence for the theorem not to be valid in general.     

Magnetic helicity generation in the frame of Kazantsev model

Using a magnetic dynamo model, suggested by Kazantsev (J. Exp. Theor. Phys. 1968, vol. 26, p. 1031), we study the small-scale helicity generation in a turbulent electrically conducting fluid. We obtain the asymptotic dependencies of dynamo growth rate and magnetic correlation functions on magnetic Reynolds numbers. Special attention is devoted to the comparison of a longitudinal correlation function and a function of magnetic helicity for various conditions of asymmetric turbulent flows. We compare the analytical solutions on small scales with numerical results, calculated by an iterative algorithm on non-uniform grids. We show that the exponential growth of current helicity is simultaneous with the magnetic energy for Reynolds numbers larger than some critical value and estimate this value for various types of asymmetry.     

Programme of the US.-Swiss conference on internal waves in geophysical contexts

Abstract

Evidence from radio polarization measurements is reviewed that indicates that most galactic magnetic field structures fall into one of two categories: axisymmetric spiral and bisymmetric spiral. The resultant challenges to dynamo theorists is stated. Estimates of the magnetic field strengths based on equipartition of field and cosmic ray energies are given, but deviations from equipartition are inferred. Possible goals for future research are suggested.     

Magnetic field reversals and galactic dynamos

We argue that global magnetic field reversals similar to those observed in the Milky Way occur quite frequently in mean-field galactic dynamo models that have relatively strong, random, seed magnetic fields that are localized in discrete regions. The number of reversals decreases to zero with reduction of the seed strength, efficiency of the galactic dynamo and size of the spots of the seed field. A systematic observational search for magnetic field reversals in a representative sample of spiral galaxies promises to give valuable information concerning seed magnetic fields and, in this way, to clarify the initial stages of galactic magnetic field evolution.     

Variations in the Intensity of the Earth's Magnetic Field

The Earth's main magnetic field can be approximated by an axial, geocentric dipole. The remaining non-dipole field is much smaller and is a regional rather than a global feature – quite large changes can occur in a few ka. This review is concerned with changes in the dipole component of the geomagnetic field, and one of the problems is in separating the non-dipole from the dipole contributions to the field. Unlike the many determinations of the direction of the Earth's magnetic field in the past (which have led to fundamental contributions to our understanding of plate tectonics and shown that the field can on occasion reverse its polarity), estimates of the intensity of the field are comparatively few, especially before the Holocene. This is mainly the result of experimental difficulties in obtaining reliable measurements of the field. These problems are discussed in some detail and are followed by a short account of archaeomagnetic intensities and results from Hawaii where many of the first determinations were obtained. Measurements for the last 100 ka from both lavas and lacustrine and oceanic sediments are reviewed and results from different areas compared. An asymmetric saw-tooth pattern has been observed in some of the records over the last few Ma, and this rather controversial question is discussed. Finally an account is given of the far more limited data on palaeointensities in earlier times.A short discussion is given of the interpretation of coherent short wavelength variations which are observed in many marine magnetic profiles. Although short reversals of the field may be responsible for some of these tiny wiggles, it is more likely that in general they are the result of changes in the strength of the Earth's magnetic field.     

Fine structure of the magnetic field in M31

Abstract

The detailed magnetic field structure of M31, as deduced from radio polarization measurements, is analyzed. The field closely follows a dust lane parallel to the most conspicuous optical spiral arm, but also exhibits three-dimensional arc-like deviations from the otherwise axisymmetric configuration.     

On the onset of thermal convection in slowly rotating fluid shells

Abstract

The problem of the removal of the degeneracy of the patterns of convective motion in a spherically symmetric fluid shell by the effects of rotation is considered. It is shown that the axisymmetric solution is preferred in sufficiently thick shells where the minimum Rayleigh number corresponds to degree l = 1 of the spherical harmonics. In all cases with l > 1 the solution described by sectional spherical harmonics Y^l _l (θ,φ) is preferred.     

火星磁场和行星发电机理论

火星磁场是火星主要观测物理场之一,火星磁场研究对火星探索具有重要的科学意义.本文侧重介绍火星磁场探测所取得的主要成果,在介绍火星行星磁场起源的行星发电机理论的基础上,重点讨论了动力学机制、起始时间、停止的原因等关键性问题,并指出了研究中存在的一些问题.     

一种磁张量探测系统载体的磁张量补偿方法

针对磁张量系统载体产生的磁张量值对系统测量精度产生很大影响的问题,以及现有磁补偿模型存在非线性、分体式和参数多的问题,提出一种磁张量系统载体的一体化线性磁张量补偿方法.分析了载体硬磁材料产生固有磁张量值和软磁材料产生感应磁张量值的微观机理,并推导了相应的数学表达式,结合固有磁场影响和感应磁场影响建立了载体磁张量补偿模型.模型中含有20个载体磁张量补偿系数,对模型求解得到补偿系数,结合三分量磁场测量值即可达到对载体磁张量的补偿.实测实验表明,磁张量补偿方法计算得到的载体磁张量值与载体实际产生的磁张量值仅差32 nT/m,可以有效完成对磁张量系统的载体磁张量补偿.     

1690年以来全球非偶极子磁场的变化特征

根据J Bloxham和A Jackson地磁场模型，计算和分析了1690-1990年期间非偶极子磁异常的变化特片。结构表明，1690年以来一直存在的变化磁异常有7个，在一定时期内出现的磁异常有3个，它们是1830年以后出现的北太平洋负磁异常、1850年以后出现的东南太平洋负磁异常和1690-1900年期间在南太平洋地区出现的负磁异常。各个磁异常的强度和中心位置随时间变化，变化趋势各不相同。与根据IGRF模型计算的20世纪的磁异常变化比较，除非洲负磁异常外，两种模型得出的其它磁异常在同一时段内的变化趋势基本一致。