Based on the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) multi-band observations of dust polarization, the magnetic field structure in a protoplanetary disk has been measured for the first time. A research team led by Project Assistant Professor Satoshi Ohashi (NAOJ) investigated the dust polarization in the protoplanetary disk around a young star, HD 142527, by analyzing ALMA 0.9, 1-, 2-, and 3-mm observation data. As a result, they have discovered intense dust polarization primarily due to the magnetic field. Furthermore, they successfully estimated the magnetic field’s strength and three-dimensional structure. This research can help understand magnetic fields’ role in planet formation.
This research was published in Nature Astronomy on February 5, 2025: Observationally derived magnetic field strength and 3D components in the HD 142527 disk
See the ALMA press release here.
Image: © ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO), S. Ohashi et al. ; ALMA 0.9 mm observation of the protoplanetary disk surrounding HD 142527, with an artistic illustration of the magnetic field structure measured from the dust polarization observed in the south part of the disk.