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Magnetic fields pervade the interstellar medium (ISM) of the Milky Way. These fields interact with various components within the ISM, locking in to the ionised phases of the ISM, forming the magneto-ionic medium. This medium is responsible for a significant input of energy into the ISM. The study of magnetic fields in the ISM of the Milky Way is therefore critical to understanding the energetics and evolution of the Galaxy. My thesis investigates magnetic fields in the Galaxy, and how they interact with a variety of ISM structures. I will present results of all-sky diffuse radio polarimetry made with the Parkes 64m Telescope. Considerable effort has recently been made in the observation of diffuse polarized emission across the entire sky. Polarized radio emission carries a wealth of information on the magneto-ionic medium. Linearly polarized waves experience Faraday rotation as they propagate through the magneto-ionic medium of the Milky Way. Further, the Galaxy itself is a significant source of polarized emission via synchrotron radiation. In combination with measurements of additional ISM tracers, I have used these observations to unravel the magneto-ionic properties of the Galactic ISM. As we enter the SKA era, understanding how to best utilise and understand these data will be key to solving the mysteries of cosmic magnetism. |
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