Alignment of dense molecular core morphology and velocity gradients with ambient magnetic fields

ABSTRACT Studies of dense core morphologies and their orientations with respect to gas flows the local magnetic field have been limited only a small sample cores spectroscopic data. Leveraging Green Bank Ammonia Survey alongside existing sub-millimeter continuum observations Planck dust polarization, we produce cross-matched catalogue 399 estimates morphology, size, mass, specific angular momentum, orientation. Of cores, 329 exhibit 2D vLSR maps that are well fit linear gradient, consistent rotation projected on sky. We find best-fit momentum size relationship J/M ∝ R1.82 ± 0.10, suggesting velocity gradients originate from combination solid body turbulent motions. Most no preferred orientation between axis elongation, gradient direction, ambient orientation, favouring triaxial weakly magnetized origin. find, however, strong evidence for anti-alignment elongation protostellar revealing change in starless prestellar populations may result gravitational contraction magnetically-regulated (but not dominant) environment. also marginal L1228 L1251 regions Cepheus, fields be more prevalent locally ordered fields.