Magnetogenesis around the first galaxies: the impact of different field seeding processes on galaxy formation

Abstract

ABSTRACT We study the evolution of magnetic fields generated by charge segregation ahead of ionization fronts during the Epoch of Reionization, and their effects on galaxy formation. We compare this magnetic seeding process with the Biermann battery, injection from supernovae, and an imposed seed field at redshift z ≳ 127. Using a suite of self-consistent cosmological and zoom-in simulations based on the Auriga galaxy-formation model, we determine that all mechanisms produce galactic magnetic fields that equally affect galaxy formation, and are nearly indistinguishable at z ≲ 1.5. The former is compatible with observed values, while the latter is correlated with the gas metallicity below a seed-dependent redshift. Low-density gas and haloes below a seed-dependent mass threshold retain memory of the initial magnetic field. We produce synthetic Faraday rotation measure maps, showing that they have the potential to constrain the seeding process, although current observations are not yet sensitive enough. Our results imply that the ad-hoc assumption of a primordial seed field – widely used in galaxy formation simulations but of uncertain physical origin – can be replaced by physically motivated mechanisms for magnetogenesis with negligible impact on galactic properties. Additionally, magnetic fields generated ahead of ionization fronts appear very similar but weaker than those produced by the Biermann battery. Hence, in a realistic scenario where both mechanisms are active, the former will be negligible compared to the latter. Finally, our results highlight that the high-redshift Universe is a fruitful testing ground for our understanding of magnetic fields generation.