Galactic polarization surveys

Abstract

Following the detection of polarized diffuse Galactic emission in 1962 a number of surveys were undertaken at low frequencies in the following years resulting in important insights on the local magnetic field, polarization of the giant radio loops and other Galactic structures, as well as on the properties of the diffuse magnetized interstellar medium. This field of research experienced a revival in the eighties and nineties by a number of high resolution observations at low and high frequencies, which showed a large variety of polarization structures having no corresponding signature in the total intensity images. 'Canals' and 'Faraday screens' were reported, which clearly indicate that Faraday rotation in the magneto-ionic medium may largely vary on small scales. These findings called for a systematic approach and a number of new unbiased polarization surveys were started. Also new attempts for absolute calibration are under way, which is a critical issue when interpreting polarization structures. This paper reviews polarization survey projects and also summarizes recent results and interpretations of this rather active field of research.