The map reveals the possible magnetic field structure of the Local Bubble, a massive hole 1,000 light-years wide in the space around our Sun.
however, Scientists’ general understanding of super bubbles is incomplete., With the new 3D magnetic field map, researchers now have new information that may better explain the evolution of super bubbles, star formation and their effects on galaxies in general.
“Mapping out this 3D map of the local bubble will help us investigate superbubbles in new ways,” says Theo O’Neill, who spent a 10-week NSF-sponsored summer research experience at CFA while a college student. Led the mapping effort during , at the University of Virginia (UVA).
“Space is full of these super bubbles that trigger the formation of new stars and planets and affect the general shape of galaxies”
The studies, along with new 3D magnetic field maps, are based on data from Gaia, a space observatory launched by the European Space Agency (ESA). By measuring the positions and motions of stars, Gaia was also used to estimate the location of cosmic dust, plotting its local concentrations and showing the approximate boundaries of local bubbles.
In particular, observations of interest involve polarized light, ie light that vibrates in a preferred direction. This polarization is produced by magnetically aligned dust particles in space. The alignment of the dust in turn refers to the orientation of the magnetic field acting on the dust particles.
Mapping the magnetic field lines in this way allowed researchers working with the Planck data to compile a 2D map of the magnetic field. Projected into the sky as seen from Earth. To transform, or “unproject,” this map into three spatial dimensions, the researchers made two key assumptions: First, that most of the interstellar dust that produces the observed polarization is on the surface of the local bubble. and, second, that the theories that predict that the magnetic field will “sweep” toward the surface of the bubble as it expands are correct.
3D visualization of emerging magnetic spirals representing the structure of the magnetic field of our neighboring superbubble.If the field was indeed drawn towards the surface of the bubble and if that is where most of the polarization occurs.
The research team compared the resulting map with features along the surface of the local bubble. Examples include the Per-Tau Shell, a giant globular star-formation region, and the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex, another major stellar nursery. Future studies will investigate the relationship between the magnetic field and these and other surface features.
Reference:
- Astrophysics Center. 2023. The magnetic field of the cosmic superbubble charted in 3D for the first time (Press release)
