Research

Astronomy & Space Sciences

Title :

Study of the Galactic synchrotron radiation using Murchison Widefield Array

Area of research :

Astronomy & Space Sciences

Focus area :

Galactic Science, Radio Astronomy

Principal Investigator :

Dr. Samir Choudhuri, Indian Institute Of Technology (IIT) Madras, Tamil Nadu

Timeline Start Year :

2024

Timeline End Year :

2027

Contact info :

Details

Executive Summary :

The proposal aims to study diffuse Galactic synchrotron emission (DGSE) using low-frequency radio telescopes, a crucial component for cosmological 21-cm observations. Accurate modeling and removal of DGSE are essential for detecting this faint 21-cm signal. The study will provide insights into cosmic ray electron distribution, the strength and structure of the Galactic magnetic field, and magnetic turbulence. The researchers have developed a novel estimator, the Tapered Gridded Estimator (TGE), for statistical detection of the DGSE signal from radio interferometric visibilities. They plan to use data from the Murchison Widefield Array at 150 MHz to characterize DGSE. This study will help study variations of synchrotron emissivity and Galactic magnetic field based on Galactic latitude and angular scale, as well as turbulence in the diffuse Galactic synchrotron emitting plasma.

Total Budget (INR):

6,60,000

Organizations involved