News Astronomy

Magnetic ‘glue’ helps shape galaxies

Map shows how patterns align, suggesting way to keep spiral arms stable

galaxy IC 342 with magnetic fields

SPACE SWIRL  Magnetic fields (yellow lines) closely match the spiral pattern of galaxy IC 342 (pictured), suggesting that magnetism might help hold the spiral arms together.

R. Beck/MPIfR, NRAO/AUI/NSF; U. Klein/AIfA (graphics); T.A. Rector/University of Alaska 

By Christopher Crockett

- More than 2 years ago

New maps of the nearby galaxy IC 342 show that its magnetic fields closely mimic its spiral arms of gas and stars.