The MeerKAT Pulsar Timing Array

Gravitational wave searches

We search for sources of gravitational waves.

We also are developing methods to apply after gravitational wave backgrounds are detected.

Other millisecond pulsar astrophysics

Precision timing measurements offer the opportunity to probe physics and astrophysics beyond gravitaional wave detection. Through the measurement of neutron star masses it is possible to test models of the equation of state of nuclear matter. By tracing the shapes of orbits of millisecond pulsars, it is possible to test Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. The pulsar signals are imprinted with the signature of passing through diffuse plasma between the star and Earth, and thus can be used to study tiny scale structures in the interstellar medium.