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Grain alignment in the galactic magnetic field

Nature volume 295, pages 371–375 (1982)Cite this article

Abstract

The linear polarization of light observed in many distant stars, presumably an effect of absorption of starlight by elongated interstellar dust grains, provides a means of mapping the magnetic field lines in our own Galaxy as well as probing the properties of the intervening dust. Processes for grain alignment in the galactic magnetic field are reviewed: evidence is examined for grains being spun up to extremely high (109 Hz) angular frequencies by the recoil of hydrogen recombination on grains, as an essential part of the alignment process. Grain alignment would then be inhibited in regions of grain growth and would be most effective where grain growth is inhibited or reaches saturation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wyoming Infrared Observatory, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, 82071, USA

    Paul E. Johnson

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  1. Paul E. Johnson
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Johnson, P. Grain alignment in the galactic magnetic field. Nature 295, 371–375 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1038/295371a0

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