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Are star formation rate and magnetic field strength correlated in the Milky Way?

My work involves MHD simulations of molecular clouds, and I’m trying to ground my initial conditions in reality. Some papers hint at a connection, but others suggest turbulence is the dominant driver. I'm looking for a consensus view from recent multi-wavelength surveys that might have pinned down a clearer observational link.

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By Nitin Answered 1 year ago

In my analysis of Galactic plane surveys, I’ve seen that the relationship is more of a "co-evolution" than a simple, direct correlation. Yes, regions with stronger ordered fields, like in some spiral arms, often show elevated star formation surface densities. However, I've also seen strong fields effectively suppress fragmentation by providing extra support against collapse. The key observational insight is that the field's geometry matters immensely; a strong, ordered field can channel flows and enhance star formation efficiency in specific, dense filaments, while a tangled, turbulent field may do the opposite.

 

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