Magnetic Fields and Cosmic Ray Electrons (CREs) in Halos of Star Forming Disk Galaxies

Abstract:
Numerical models of the multiphase interstellar medium (ISM) in disk galaxies have recently underlined the importance of cosmic rays (CRs) and magnetic fields for the physics of the ISM. Thus, magnetic fields and CRs are important ingredients in order to understand the large scale distribution of the ISM and its evolution.
New observational evidence from radio-continuum studies of edge-on galaxies on magnetic field strength and structure will be presented and the cosmic ray propagation in galactic halos will be discussed.
Observations from the CHANG- ES (Continuum HAlos in Nearby Galaxies - an EVLA Survey; PI J. Irwin) project benefit from recent LOFAR observations of edge-on galaxies by providing additional constraints on the extent of magnetic fields in galactic halos and on the synchrotron losses of the CREs.