Three-dimensional magnetic fields of molecular clouds

Abstract

To investigate the role of magnetic fields in the evolution of the interstellar medium, formation and evolution of molecular clouds, and ultimately the formation of stars, their three-dimensional (3D) magnetic fields must be probed. Observing only one component of magnetic fields (along the line of sight or parallel to the plane of the sky) is insufficient to identify these 3D vectors. In recent years, novel techniques for probing each of these two components and integrating them with additional data (from observations or models), such as Galactic magnetic fields or magnetic field inclination angles, have been developed, in order to infer 3D magnetic fields. We review and discuss these advancements, their applications, and their future direction.