Studying the properties of the Milky Way is not often an easy undertaking . A particularly elusive dimension has been measuring the magnetised field of the galaxy we call nursing home . researcher have now found a way to hit the books the magnetised field on a ordered series of just a few abstemious - years .
As account inNature Astronomy , the research worker used mote flatus emitted by pulsar , a type of beat neutron star , to measure the doings of the magnetic theatre of the wandflower . In particular , they studied pulsars from globular cluster 47 Tucanae , a collection of stars located in the astronomic annulus – a spherical region that beleaguer the record of the Milky Way where the Sun resides .
47 Tucanae is located 15,000 weak - class from the astronomical disc in an area that was believe to be fairly undisturbed . However , the team suggest this might not be the case . The observations register a potent magnetic battleground perpendicular to the galactic saucer that continues into the halo , paint a picture there must be a magnetised outflow of particles extending from the disk through the gloriole that is interact with this globular cluster .
The measure would n’t have been possible without pulsars . These peculiar superstar are precise clocks , beat at a constant rhythm . If astronomers spot unexpected delays from the pulses , the cause is normally external . Free - run electrons can make such delay in what ’s known as a dispersion measure , which has been seen in this cluster .
The Inner Light of pulsar is also extremely polarized , stand for its electromagnetic oscillation is happen in a specific direction . Magnetic fields can shift this property and the effect quantified by the revolution measure . Combining this with the dispersion measure open researchers a agency to utilise the pulsar to measure the magnetic line of business along the communication channel of sight .
“ The pulsar in this cluster can give us a unique and unprecedented perceptiveness into the large - scale geometry of the magnetised battlefield in the Galactic aura , ” direct generator Federico Abbate , work at the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy , say in astatement .
Polarization measurements of the electron themselves can be obtained by study the system in wireless wave , with recent observations of 47 Tucanae confirm the presence of a unassailable magnetic area . The team believe that next - generation radio telescopes should be able-bodied to refine these observations and unwrap how the magnetic field of the Milky Way is extending so far into intergalactic space .
