Correlation between Magnetic-field directions and intensity gradients in Orion A region

  • Hwang, Jihye (Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute) ;
  • Kim, Jongsoo (Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute)
  • Published : 2018.05.08

Abstract

Magnetic fields play an important role in star-forming processes by regulating gravitational collapse. In filamentary structures of star-forming regions, magnetic fields are likely to be aligned with minor axes of filamentary molecular clouds because matter freely moves along magnetic field lines. Orion A region, one of the well-known high-mass star forming regions, has long filament structure. In order to study magnetic field directions with respect to the filamentary structure in Orion A, we have analyzed $850{\mu}m$ dust polarization observations obtained with the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT). We found tight correlation of dust intensity gradients and magnetic field directions. It was estimated that 81% of magnetic field segments are aligned with density gradients within 40 degree. In conclusion, we confirmed most of magnetic field segments are perpendicular to the major axis of the filament in Orion A.

Keywords