Astrophysicists have discovered enormous magnetic fields within the Milky Way's halo, providing the first detailed measurements of these fields in the galaxy's X-ray emission regions. This study indicates a strong correlation between observed magnetic ridges and star formation areas within our galaxy.
The research focused on X-rays emitted from two massive structures, known as 'eROSITA bubbles,' which extend over 45,000 light-years above and below the Milky Way's plane. These bubbles, discovered in 2020, are believed to be fueled by significant gas and plasma outflows.
Researchers considered two potential sources for these bubbles: activity from the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way's center or intense star formation. The study of the polarization of light emitted from the eROSITA bubbles revealed long magnetic filaments, suggesting that the origin of these structures is linked to star formation.
Located approximately 10,000 to 16,000 light-years from the galactic center, a ring of star formation may have generated the heat and winds necessary to expel hot gas and plasma into the galactic halo, extending for tens of thousands of light-years.