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Magnetic field properties in galaxy clusters

Ascertain the characteristic scales and strengths of magnetic fields in galaxy clusters by applying Faraday rotation analysis to MeerKAT radio observations, resolving the current polarisation calibration and data-analysis limitations that leave this topic with multiple open questions.

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Background

Sthabile Kolwa studies diffuse cluster-scale radio sources (halos and relics) produced during energetic galaxy-cluster mergers, phenomena that probe magnetised intracluster plasmas. Understanding cluster magnetic fields—their strengths, spatial scales, and evolution—is essential for explaining particle acceleration and transport mechanisms.

She notes that polarisation calibration and data-analysis challenges currently hinder definitive measurements, leaving several questions unresolved. Her ongoing work aims to use Faraday rotation to constrain magnetic field properties, underscoring an explicit open problem in cluster astrophysics.

References

“This field of study still has multiple open questions due to polarisation calibration and data analysis difficulties.”

— Inspiring stories from women in astronomy in Africa (2510.05195 - Muheki et al., 6 Oct 2025) in Section “Try again, fail again, fail better — Sthabile Kolwa”; Page 97 (profile)