Probing Galactic Magnetism near the Galactic Center with THOR-GC
Date
2024-09-18
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Abstract
The Galactic magnetic field (GMF) permeates the entire Milky Way and plays an important role in the dynamics of the Galaxy. An understanding of the GMF is required to create a comprehensive model of the Galaxy. As the GMF does not radiate, it must be observed indirectly by studying the polarization properties of light. This thesis presents the polarization calibration of the Galactic center extension of the HI/OH/Radio Recombination Line Survey of the Milky Way (THOR-GC). THOR-GC covers the Galactic center, a complex region where the GMF is poorly understood. Polarization observations in THOR-GC can aid in uncovering the nature of the GMF in this region. As well, analysis of a highly polarized transient source identified in THOR-GC reveals that its variability is much larger than previously found and that the source may be a fast-moving neutron star in an extreme environment.
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Galactic magnetism, Galactic magnetic field, Galactic center, Interstellar medium, Radio astronomy, Polarization, Faraday Rotation, Transient sources
Citation
Weatherhead, K. (2024). Probing Galactic magnetism near the Galactic center with THOR-GC (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.