Oral Presentation

How galactic dynamics affect magnetic fields and turbulence: a look at GMC collisions

Author(s): Benjamin Wu (NAOJ); Jonathan Tan (Chalmers); Fumitaka Nakamura (NAOJ); Duncan Christie (U. Florida); Thomas Bisbas (U. Florida)

Presenter: Benjamin Wu (National Astronomical Observatory of Japan)

Magnetic fields and turbulence may both play critical roles in the star formation process, but what about the impact of galactic dynamics? We explore an additional mechanism in the form of collisions between giant molecular clouds (GMCs). We have been developing magnetohydrodynamic simulations of self-gravitating, magnetized, turbulent GMCs with heating/cooling. Comparing dense structures and star formation activity in clouds undergoing turbulent decay vs. those that are colliding, we find distinct differences in magnetic field strengths and morphology as well as the nature of turbulence. We also introduce observational diagnostics using polarization and fine structure emission which may distinguish between quiescent and dynamic star formation.