The strength and structure of the galactic center magnetic field

Abstract

This paper summarizes recently obtained, strong evidence for a weak global field in the Galactic center (GC): the existence of a large-scale region of diffuse, low-frequency, non- thermal emission coincident with the central molecular zone. The overall energetics of this emission, considered along with constraints on GC cosmic ray energy density and diffusion, indicate clearly that the magnetic field pervading this region is ∼ 10 μG. For completeness, additional points on the orientation of the GC nonthermal filaments, rotation measures of extragalactic sources seen through the GC, and comparison with other normal spiral galaxies are also reviewed. © 2006 IOP Publishing Ltd.