The MeerKAT Pulsar Timing Array

The pulsar timing array

The MeerKAT Pulsar Timing Array regularly monitors an ensemble of millisecond pulsars. The integration time for each pulsar was chosen to achieve at least sub microsecond precision. Pulsars are observed with a cadence of two to three weeks.

Producing data sets

The collaboration then produces high quality pulsar timing data sets.

Gravitational wave searches

We then undertake searches of the data sets for gravitational waves and other signals common to the pulsars.

Other physics

We understand the pulsar data sets to improve the sensitivity of PTAs, but also better understand other aspects of physics and astrophysics. This includes characeterising binary orbits to study General Relativity, and using the pulsars as probes of the diffuse interstellar medium.

Further information

To learn more about the project please contact Ryan Shannon (rshannon@swin.edu.au)