Dr. Crutcher continues his observational study of interstellar magnetic fields. He will measure magnetic field strengths and morphologies in star-forming regions in the Galaxy to provide observational constraints and testing of theoretical models in order to improve understanding of the processes of star formation. He will utilize a variety of radio telescopes to measure the Zeeman effect in selected spectral lines and the linear polarization of dust emission and spectral line emission to yield field strengths as well as field morphologies. His comprehensive observational research program is an important complement to theoretical studies of the evolution of the interstellar plasma and of the star formation process.
