How do astronomers infer the presence of magnetic fields in molecular clouds?
A)by measuring the amount of interstellar reddening
B)by measuring the Doppler shifts of emission lines from gas clumps in the cloud
C)by measuring the infrared light emitted by the cloud
D)by measuring the polarization of starlight passing through the cloud
E)by measuring the amount by which gravity is reduced

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Astronomers infer the presence of magnetic fields in molecular clouds by measuring the polarization of starlight passing through the cloud. The magnetic field can cause the light to become polarized, and the amount and direction of the polarization can reveal information about the strength and orientation of the magnetic field.

How Do Astronomers Infer the Presence of Magnetic Fields in Molecular