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Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons

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Astrophysics and Astronomy

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2006

Faculty and Research Publications

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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

The Strength And Structure Of The Galactic Center Magnetic Field, Ted La Rosa, Steven N. Shore, T. Joseph W. Lazio, Namir E. Kassim Jan 2006

The Strength And Structure Of The Galactic Center Magnetic Field, Ted La Rosa, Steven N. Shore, T. Joseph W. Lazio, Namir E. Kassim

Faculty and Research Publications

This paper summarizes recently obtained, strong evidence for a weak global field in the Galactic center (GC): the existence of a large-scale region of diffuse, low-frequency, nonthermal emission coincident with the central molecular zone. The overall energetics of this emission, considered along with constraints on GC cosmic ray energy density and diffusion, indicate clearly that the magnetic field pervading this region is ∼ 10 μG. For completeness, additional points on the orientation of the GC nonthermal filaments, rotation measures of extragalactic sources seen through the GC, and comparison with other normal spiral galaxies are also reviewed.