The Galactic Center Magnetic Field - Global Ordering or Local Dynanmics

Prof. Ted LaRosa

Kennesaw State University

The galactic center is one of the most fascinating laboratories with which to explore a variety of astrophysical processes. It has the highest concentration of molecular gas in the galaxy and is the site of unprecedented massive star-formation. Consequently the ISM there is subjected to numerous supernovae explosions and strong stellar winds. It is also the birthplace of many compact objects and harbors a roughly 4 million solar mass black hole. In addition it exhibits a phenomenon unique in the galaxy, large scale, apparently organized, magnetic field structures.
These filamentary structures are characterized by unusually large aspect ratios - lengths ranging from 10 to 100 pc with widths of only a few tenths of pc and strong (1 mG) axially aligned fields. Their existence raises fundamental questions about cosmic magnetic field generation. In this seminar I will review recent observations of these features which, together with some recent theoretical insights, suggest a new view of the galactic center magnetic field.