Polarized 30-GHz Emission from Galaxies

AST-0600462 Devlin测量宇宙微波背景（CMB）各向异性和偏振的宇宙学和天体物理学价值是众所周知的。 不幸的是，可能的偏振前景信号的许多细节仍然是未知的，这预计是准确测量CMB偏振的最重要的障碍。 这一试验项目将使用绿色班克射电望远镜测量精心挑选的约35个星系的高频偏振，以确定今后进行更大规模调查的可行性和有用性。 这样的测量是必要的，因为以前的广泛的数据只适用于低频率，在运输中的去极化效应是显着的。 无论继续调查的结论如何，这项试点研究将产生关于星系性质的有用数据，并将介绍两名有前途的本科生与一个经验丰富的团队一起进行研究。

AST-0600462DevlinThe cosmological and astrophysical value of measuring the cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropy and polarization is well known. Unfortunately, many details of possible polarized foreground signals are still unknown, and this is expected to be the single most significant obstacle to accurate measurements of the CMB polarization. This trial project will use the Green Bank radio telescope to measure the high frequency polarization of a carefully selected sample of some 35 galaxies, in order to decide on the feasibility and usefulness of a much larger future survey. Such measurements are necessary because prior extensive data are only available for low frequencies, where depolarization effects in transit are significant. Whatever the conclusion about the continued survey, this pilot study will produce useful data on galaxy properties, and will introduce two promising undergraduate students to research with an experienced team.