BICEP & Planck: Estimating Polarized Galactic Dust Emission

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the estimation of polarized emission from galactic dust using data from BICEP and the Planck collaboration. BICEP utilized a 353 GHz map from Planck, but misinterpreted it as representing only galactic dust polarization, when it actually included all foregrounds. Experts assert that after correcting for this misinterpretation, the polarized galactic dust emission could explain a significant portion of the BICEP signal. Ongoing experiments are expected to clarify the status of B-mode polarization of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) within the next 1-2 years.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of BICEP and Planck satellite missions
  • Familiarity with polarized emission and its significance in astrophysics
  • Knowledge of cosmic microwave background (CMB) and B-mode polarization
  • Experience with data interpretation in astrophysical contexts
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the methodologies used in BICEP and Planck experiments
  • Learn about the implications of polarized galactic dust emission on CMB studies
  • Investigate upcoming experiments related to B-mode polarization
  • Explore the significance of foreground contamination in astrophysical data analysis
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and researchers involved in cosmic microwave background studies and those interested in the implications of polarized galactic dust on cosmology.

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To estimate polarized emission from the galactic dust, BICEP digitized an unpublished 353 GHz map shown by the Planck collaboration at a conference.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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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.
 

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