Magnetic fields on a wide range of scales in star-forming galaxies

TL;DR

This paper discusses how advanced radio telescopes, especially the upcoming SKA, are being used to study magnetic fields across various scales in star-forming galaxies, revealing their role in galaxy evolution.

Contribution

It highlights recent observational progress and outlines future plans for large-scale surveys of magnetic fields in galaxies using the SKA and its pathfinders.

Findings

Magnetic fields influence the structure of the interstellar medium.

Large-scale surveys are revealing the connection between magnetic fields and star formation.

Future SKA observations will provide new insights into galaxy evolution.

Abstract

A key ingredient in the evolution of galaxies is the star formation cycle. Recent progress in the study of magnetic fields is revealing the close connection between star formation and its effect on the small-scale structure in the magnetized interstellar medium (ISM). In this contribution we describe how the modern generation of radio telescopes is being used to probe the physics of the ISM through sensitive multiwavelength surveys of gas and magnetic fields, from the inner star forming disk and outward into the galaxy outskirts where large-scale magnetic fields may also play a key role. We highlight unique pioneering efforts towards performing and scientifically exploiting large-scale surveys of the type that the SKA will undertake routinely. Looking to the future, we describe plans for using the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and its pathfinders to gain important new insights into the cosmic history of galaxy evolution.