An Attempt to Detect Linear Polarization in the Galactic Background Radiation at 215 Mc/s

Abstract

Current theories of the mode of origin of galactic radio-frequency radiation assume the main component to be due to " synchrotron" emission by relativistic electrons in interstellar magnetic fields. Such emission is almost completely linearly polarized at the point of origin. The received radiation could, however, be substantially depolarized owing to its origin in extended regions of inhomogeneous magnetic field, or to effects associated with the rotation of the plane of polarization in ionized regions with magnetic fields along the line-of-sight. The detection of polarization is a most important observation which could substantiate the " synchrotron" emission hypothesis and provide direct evidence on magnetic fields in interstellar space.