Seeking large-scale magnetic fields in a pure-disk dwarf galaxy NGC 2976
  It is still unknown how magnetic field-generation mechanisms could operate in
low-mass dwarf galaxies. Here, we present a detailed study of a nearby
pure-disk dwarf galaxy NGC 2976. Unlike previously observed dwarf objects, this
galaxy possesses a clearly defined disk. For the purpose of our studies, we
performed deep multi-frequency polarimetric observations of NGC 2976 with the
VLA and Effelsberg radio telescopes. Additionally, we supplement them with
re-imaged data from the WSRT-SINGS survey. The magnetic field morphology
discovered in NGC 2976 consists of a southern polarized ridge. This structure
does not seem to be due to just a pure large-scale dynamo process (possibly
cosmic-ray driven) at work in this object, as indicated by the RM data and
dynamo number calculations. Instead, the field of NGC 2976 is modified by past
gravitational interactions and possibly also by ram pressure inside the M 81
galaxy group environment. The estimates of total (7 muG) and ordered (3 muG)
magnetic field strengths, as well as degree of field order (0.46), which is
similar to those observed in spirals, suggest that tidally generated magnetized
gas flows can further enhance dynamo action in the object. NGC 2976 is
apparently a good candidate for the efficient magnetization of its
neighbourhood. It is able to provide an ordered (perhaps also regular) magnetic
field into the intergalactic space up to a distance of about 5 kpc. Tidal
interactions (and possibly also ram pressure) can lead to the formation of
unusual magnetic field morphologies (like polarized ridges) in galaxies out of
the star-forming disks, which do not follow any observed component of the
interstellar medium (ISM), as observed in NGC 2976. These galaxies are able to
provide ordered magnetic fields far out of their main disks.
