You probably already know that our planet has an intrinsic magnetic field, and you might even know that it’s caused by the earth’s swirling molten core. What you might not know, however, is that plenty of other cosmic objects in the universe have magnetic fields, including our very own Milky Way Galaxy. This force, along with gravity, helps hold the galaxy together and is partially responsible for its beautiful spiral shape. Magnetic fields also play a part in astronomical events like solar flares and the evolution of stars. Though scientists have conducted research to better understand these important fields created by our galaxy, they still hold many mysteries. Other astronomical objects with magnetic fields include the remnants left after a supernova, the explosive death of a star. These remnants form various different shapes that researchers can study to help them understand the magnetic field left by a supernova. One such shape that has been the center of scientific attention lately is the double-lobe, which resembles a figure-8. The axes of supernova remnants with this shape have different orientations, and scientists have often wondered what causes them to point in different directions.

Emerging Research

Research recently conducted at the University of Manitoba shows that there may be a relationship between the magnetic fields of supernova remnants and those of our galaxy. The scientists investigated archival images of known supernova remnants and compared them to a model that simulated the Milky Way’s magnetic field. Based on their research, the team found that the orientation of the supernova remnants is based on a number of factors, and one of which is the magnetic field of the galaxy!

The Road Ahead

Astronomers love researching supernovae since they can teach us so much about the evolution of the universe and the elemental composition of stars and galaxies. However, this research on the magnetic fields of supernova remnants is investigating a new area that is likely to produce many new and exciting discoveries soon! This research can help scientists find new information about the magnetic field of our own galaxy and can help us understand how our universe came to be the wonderful and mysterious place that it is today.