Maser Polarization and magnetic fields
Paper in proceeding, 2012

Maser polarization observations can reveal unique information on the magnetic field strength and structure for a large number of very different astronomical objects. As the different masers for which polarization is measured, such as silicon-monoxide, water, hydroxil and methanol, probe different physical conditions, the masers can even be used to determine for example the relation between magnetic field and density. In particular, maser polarization observations have improved our understanding of the magnetic field strength in, among others, the envelopes around evolved stars, Planetary Nebulae (PNe), massive star forming regions, supernova remnants and megamaser galaxies. This review presents an overview of maser polarization observations and magnetic field determinations of the last several years and discusses some of the theoretical considerations needed for a proper maser polarization analysis.

masers

polarization

magnetic fields

Author

Wouter Vlemmings

Chalmers, Earth and Space Sciences, Radio Astronomy and Astrophysics

Chalmers, Earth and Space Sciences, Onsala Space Observatory

Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union

1743-9213 (ISSN) 1743-9221 (eISSN)

Vol. 8 5287 31-40
978-110703284-2 (ISBN)

The XXVIIIth General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union (IAU)
Beijing, China,

Subject Categories

Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology

Roots

Basic sciences

Infrastructure

Onsala Space Observatory

DOI

10.1017/S1743921312006606

More information

Latest update

2/18/2021