BICEP & Planck: Estimating Polarized Galactic Dust Emission

In summary, experts are discussing the potential misinterpretation of a 353 GHz map shown by the Planck collaboration at a conference. It is believed that the map shows polarization fraction for all foregrounds, not just galactic dust. Some claim that once this is corrected for and the Planck results are rescaled, galactic dust emission can account for most of the BICEP signal. However, the jury is still out on whether the BICEP signal is truly B-mode polarization of the CMB. There are also upcoming experiments that may provide more clarity on the matter within the next 1-2 years.
  • #1
MTd2
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To estimate polarized emission from the galactic dust, BICEP digitized an unpublished 353 GHz map shown by the Planck collaboration at a conference. However, it seems they misinterpreted the Planck results: that map shows the polarization fraction for all foregrounds, not for the galactic dust only (see the "not CIB subtracted" caveat in the slide). Once you correct for that and rescale the Planck results appropriately, some experts claim that the polarized galactic dust emission can account for most of the BICEP signal.

http://resonaances.blogspot.com.es/2014/05/is-bicep-wrong.html

http://news.sciencemag.org/physics/2014/05/blockbuster-big-bang-result-may-fizzle-rumor-suggests
 
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  • #2
Yes, my understanding is that the jury is still out on whether or not the BICEP signal is really B-mode polarization of the CMB. The good news is, according to a talk I saw recently, there are at least 6 more experiments that should produce results within the next 18 months. So we should know for certain in the next 1-2 years.
 

1. What is the BICEP & Planck experiment?

The BICEP & Planck experiment is a joint project between the BICEP (Background Imaging of Cosmic Extragalactic Polarization) team and the Planck satellite. It aims to measure the polarization of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation, which can provide valuable insights into the early universe and the process of inflation.

2. How does BICEP & Planck estimate polarized galactic dust emission?

BICEP & Planck uses a combination of two methods to estimate polarized galactic dust emission. First, the BICEP telescope measures the polarized emission from dust in our Milky Way galaxy. Then, the Planck satellite measures the total emission from dust in our galaxy. By comparing these two measurements, scientists can estimate the polarized emission from the galactic dust.

3. What is the significance of estimating polarized galactic dust emission?

Estimating polarized galactic dust emission is important because it allows scientists to accurately measure and subtract this emission from their measurements of the CMB polarization. This is crucial for accurately studying the CMB, as the polarized emission from galactic dust can obscure the signal from the early universe.

4. What new insights have been gained from the BICEP & Planck experiment?

The BICEP & Planck experiment has provided valuable insights into the polarization of the CMB and the properties of polarized galactic dust. It has also helped to validate the theory of inflation and provided evidence for the existence of gravitational waves in the early universe.

5. How does the BICEP & Planck experiment contribute to our understanding of the early universe?

The BICEP & Planck experiment has helped to shed light on the early universe by providing measurements of the CMB polarization. This can help scientists refine their models of the universe and gain a better understanding of the processes that occurred during the period of inflation. It has also provided valuable data for studying the large-scale structure and evolution of the universe.

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