  For the first time we have directly detected magnetic fields in central stars
of planetary nebulae by means of spectro-polarimetry with FORS1 at the VLT. In
all four objects of our sample we found kilogauss magnetic fields, in NGC 1360
and LSS1362 with very high significance, while in Abell36 and EGB5 the
existence of a magnetic field is probable but with less certainty. This
discovery supports the hypothesis that the non-spherical symmetry of most
planetary nebulae is caused by magnetic fields in AGB stars. Our high discovery
rate demands mechanisms to prevent full conservation of magnetic flux during
the transition to white dwarfs.
