Studying Magnetic field structures in ISM scattering screens

Galactic Magnetic Fields (GMF) have always been an intriguing topic to astronomers: they play a big role in star formations, Galactic structures, interstellar medium (ISM) distribution, etc. Therefore, understanding these structures becomes a crucial part to unravel the mystery of our Galaxy.

A main signature of magnetic fields is that they can rotate polarized light rays that pass through them. Therefore, by studying the polarization data of a pulsar, a rotating neutron star that sends out highly polarized electromagnetic waves, we can understand the strength as well as the structure within the GMF.

I will use data from pulsar B1133+16, taken at Arecibo Observatory in 2015, to analyze the magnetic field within the ISM scattering screen. The result will be used to verify some existing theories on the structure of ISM scattering screens distributed along the magnetic domain wall within the Galaxy.

Faculty Supervisor:

Ue-Li Pen

Student:

Partner:

Oberlin College and Conservatory

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Technology; Other

University:

University of Toronto

Program: