Cosmological simulations reveal how galaxy clusters develop magnetic fields and radio emissions
In short: Researchers using the IllustrisTNG cosmological simulations found that the formation of large-scale structures in the universe amplifies tiny initial magnetic fields into the strengths observed in galaxies today. The study also showed that the shape of these magnetic fields depends on galaxy type, with disc galaxies hosting ordered fields while early-type galaxies possess irregular ones.
The study modeled how magnetic fields and diffuse radio emissions develop within galaxy clusters. By simulating the growth of structures, the team demonstrated how initial seed fields reach modern levels and reproduced known relationships between radio power and other cluster properties like X-ray emission.
The research utilized a moving-mesh code to simulate 280 clusters. A limitation of the current work is that it uses simplified models for relativistic electrons, meaning more complex physics are needed for a more precise analysis.
Why it matters: Understanding how magnetic fields grow helps astronomers map the history of structure formation in our universe.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Research: Marinacci et al. (2018). First results from the IllustrisTNG simulations: radio haloes and magnetic fields. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
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