Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union: Studying Magnetic Field Amplification in Interacting Galaxies Using Numerical Simulations

TL;DR

This study uses numerical simulations to explore how magnetic fields in interacting galaxies are amplified and evolve, revealing transient amplification and potential dynamo activity during galactic interactions.

Contribution

It combines magnetohydrodynamics and N-body simulations to investigate magnetic field amplification in galaxy interactions, highlighting transient effects and dynamo clues.

Findings

Magnetic fields are amplified during galaxy interactions.

Amplification is transient and cannot be sustained.

Evidence suggests active mean-field dynamo processes.

Abstract

There are indications that the magnetic field evolution in galaxies might be massively shaped by tidal interactions and mergers between galaxies. The details of the connection between the evolution of magnetic fields and that of their host galaxies is still a field of research. We use a combined approach of magnetohydrodynamics for the baryons and an N-body scheme for the dark matter to investigate magnetic field amplification and evolution in interacting galaxies. We find that, for two colliding equal-mass galaxies and for varying initial relative spatial orientations, magnetic fields are amplified during interactions, yet cannot be sustained. Furthermore, we find clues for an active mean-field dynamo.