Stil, JeroenWeatherhead, Kierra2024-09-192024-09-192024-09-18Weatherhead, 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.https://hdl.handle.net/1880/119786The 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.enUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.Galactic magnetismGalactic magnetic fieldGalactic centerInterstellar mediumRadio astronomyPolarizationFaraday RotationTransient sourcesAstronomy and Astrophysicsmaster thesis