Cosmic Magnetism with the Square Kilometre Array and its Pathfinders

TL;DR

This paper discusses how upcoming radio telescopes like ASKAP, LOFAR, and the SKA will revolutionize our understanding of cosmic magnetic fields through advanced polarimetry and Faraday rotation measurements, revealing their role in the universe's evolution.

Contribution

It reviews the potential of new polarimetry techniques and surveys with next-generation radio telescopes to study cosmic magnetism across different cosmic environments.

Findings

Wide-field surveys will map magnetic fields in the Milky Way and nearby galaxies.

Forthcoming experiments will probe magnetic fields at high redshift.

Innovative polarimetry methods will enhance understanding of cosmic magnetic evolution.

Abstract

One of the five key science projects for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is "The Origin and Evolution of Cosmic Magnetism", in which radio polarimetry will be used to reveal what cosmic magnets look like and what role they have played in the evolving Universe. Many of the SKA prototypes now being built are also targeting magnetic fields and polarimetry as key science areas. Here I review the prospects for innovative new polarimetry and Faraday rotation experiments with forthcoming facilities such as ASKAP, LOFAR, the ATA, the EVLA, and ultimately the SKA. Sensitive wide-field polarisation surveys with these telescopes will provide a dramatic new view of magnetic fields in the Milky Way, in nearby galaxies and clusters, and in the high-redshift Universe.