New observation techniques increase galactic field mapping accuracy.
The LOw-Frequency ARray, (LOFAR) is a radio interferometer, or radio telescope, made up of several observing stations in Europe. Signals received at the various observing stations are digitally integrated into a phased array, which is a collection of dipole antennas that can be individually energized, causing them to go in or out of phase. This allows radio astronomers to adjust the various antennas, combining their sensitivity and providing a substantial field of view. In the past, large radio telescopes needed to be pointed at different observation positions, which increased their noise levels. LOFAR does not move, so is a more highly attuned instrument in the 10-240 megahertz range.
Galactic magnetic fields were discovered more than 50 years ago. How those fields are generated continues to be a mystery. What gives them their shape and their strength?
According to a recent press release, astronomers using LOFAR observed Galaxy M51, otherwise known as the Whirlpool Galaxy...
