The Interplay Between Magnetic Fields and Stellar Feedback in RCW 36
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Authors
Bij, Akanksha
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Physics , Astronomy , Astrophysics , Interstellar medium , Star formation , High-mass filaments , Magnetic fields , Stellar feedback , RCW 36 , Vela C giant molecular cloud , Histogram of relative orientations
Alternative Title
Abstract
Star formation is a complex process with influence from gravity, magnetic fields and turbulence. Magnetic fields are thought to shape gas kinematics and provide support against gravitational collapse, impacting the formation and evolution of star-forming structures. In this work, we investigate the energetic importance of magnetic fields in the presence of ionizing radiation and stellar winds from massive nearby stars. In particular, we study a high mass star-forming region named ‘RCW 36’ located in the Vela C molecular cloud using polarization observations from the instrument SOFIA HAWC+ to infer the plane-of-sky magnetic field on filament scales of ∼0.1-1 pc. We invoke a method known as ‘Histogram of Relative Orientations’ to compare the alignment of interstellar structures relative to the magnetic field orientation. We find that the main dense filament of RCW 36 aligns preferentially perpendicular to the magnetic field, which is consistent with previous large-scale (> 1 pc) studies of Vela C. This suggests that the magnetic field was likely dynamically important when the filament formed. We also find that structures within the photodissociation region (PDR) show a preference for parallel alignment relative to the magnetic field. The magnetic field in these regions appears to be altered, indicating that stellar feedback is warping the flux-frozen gas and dragging the magnetic field lines along with it.
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Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
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Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States