Parallel Alignments between Magnetic Fields and Dense Structures in the Central Molecular Zone

TL;DR

This study uses SOFIA FIR polarimetry and HRO analysis to reveal that magnetic fields in the CMZ are aligned parallel to dense structures at high densities, contrasting with nearby clouds and linked to low star formation efficiency.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed magnetic field orientation analysis in the CMZ, showing a unique parallel alignment at high densities and linking it to the region's low star formation activity.

Findings

Magnetic fields are randomly oriented in low-density regions.

Magnetic fields become preferentially parallel in high-density regions.

The parallel alignment is intrinsic and related to the CMZ's physical conditions.

Abstract

The recent Far-Infrared Polarimetric Large-Area Central Molecular Zone Exploration (FIREPLACE) survey with SOFIA has mapped plane-of-the-sky magnetic field orientations within the Central Molecular Zone (CMZ) of the Milky Way. Applying the Histogram of Relative Orientation (HRO) analysis to the FIREPLACE data, we find that the relative orientation between magnetic fields and column density structures is random in low-density regions (2x10^22<N(H2)<10^23 cm^{-2}), but becomes preferentially parallel in high-density regions (>10^23 cm^{-2}). This trend is in contrast with that of the nearby molecular clouds, where the relative orientation transitions from parallel to perpendicular with increasing column densities. However, the relative orientation varies between individual CMZ clouds. Comparisons with MHD simulations specific to the CMZ conditions suggest that the observed parallel alignment is intrinsic rather than artifacts caused by the projection effect. The origin of this parallel configuration may arise from the fact that most dense structures in the CMZ are not self-gravitating, as they are in super-virial states, except for the mini-starburst region Sgr B2. These findings are consistent with the low star formation efficiency observed in the CMZ compared to that in the Galactic disk.