Abstract
We have measured the line-of-sight magnetic field toward the Sgr B2 North and Main regions with the VLA by Zeeman mapping of the H i line; Blos ≈ -0.5 mG with spatial variations of about 50%. It is likely that the H I absorption line is produced mainly within the massive molecular envelope surrounding the dense Sgr B2 cores; if so, the Blas we measure is that of the Sgr B2 molecular cloud complex. Maps of the plane-of-sky magnetic field direction from polarized emission of dust have led others to suggest that the present north-south elongation of the Sgr B2 cloud was due to infall along the predominantly east-west oriented magnetic field lines. Our measured magnetic field strength is approximately equal to the critical magnetic field required to support the entire cloud complex against gravitational collapse and thus provides support for this picture. Ambipolar diffusion heating may explain the high gas temperatures in the Sgr B2 cloud.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | L79-L82 |
Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
Volume | 462 |
Issue number | 2 PART II |
State | Published - 1996 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:1The Very Large Array is a facility of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, which is operated by Associated Universities, Inc., under cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation.
Funding Information:
This work has been supported by NSF grants AST 94-19227 and AST 93-20239 to the University of Illinois and AST 94-19220 to the University of Kentucky.
Funding
1The Very Large Array is a facility of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, which is operated by Associated Universities, Inc., under cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation. This work has been supported by NSF grants AST 94-19227 and AST 93-20239 to the University of Illinois and AST 94-19220 to the University of Kentucky.
Funders | Funder number |
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National Radio Astronomy Observatory | |
National Science Foundation (NSF) | AST 93-20239, AST 94-19227 |
Array BioPharma Incorporated | |
University of Kentucky | |
University of Illinois | AST 94-19220 |
Keywords
- H II regions
- ISM: individual (Sagittarius B2)
- ISM: magnetic fields
- Radio lines: ISM
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science