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Scientists of the University of Granada prepare the most complete catalogue of galactic warps in the world

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22.09.2006

A research group from the University of Granada, supervised by the professor of astrophysics Eduardo Battaner, has been analysing the mechanisms of the origin and functioning of the universe for more than fifteen years.

The main object of his studio is the influence of magnetic fields in the formation, assessment and structures of the galaxies, which has lead them to prepare the biggest catalogue of visible warps in the world, with more than 150 of these formations classified. The main maker of this work has been Professor María Luisa Sánchez Saavedra, a member of Battaner’s group.

Warps look like integral signs located in the most external part of the galaxies. The researchers of the UGR have analysed and catalogued these formations, studying their origin (as they always appear in the galactic ends) and their relation with the existence of magnetic fields in the universe.

Battaner’s group research work is focused on the theory of magnetic fields. The scientists of the University of Granada think that the dynamics of galaxies (and especially rotation, this is, the reason why they rotate so fast) is due to the existence of magnetic fields, which contradicts the most widespread theory among the international community, which maintains that the galaxies move around themselves so fast because they contain great amounts of dark matter. The UGR researchers have also analysed the interconnection between the galaxy’s magnetic field and the magnetic field of the galaxy cumulus it belongs to.

The hypothesis of the magnetic fields backed by the UGR has been published by the most important specialized journals, such as Nature. Hardly a hundred research groups all over the world are studying the structure of galaxy on a great scale, and the same again are analysing the existence of warps. The most accepted theory by the international community about the formation of warps is just the opposite, and points out that their origin is due to gravitational reasons, this is, gravity, and not to magnetic fields.

Antonio Marín Ruiz | Source: alphagalileo
Further information: www.ugr.es
prensa.ugr.es/prensa/research/index.php

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