Pulsar timing array projects

TL;DR

Pulsar timing array projects utilize the stability of millisecond pulsars to detect gravitational waves, refine planetary ephemeris, and study terrestrial time irregularities, representing a promising approach in astrophysics.

Contribution

This paper reviews the goals and current status of pulsar timing array projects, highlighting their potential for groundbreaking discoveries in gravitational wave detection.

Findings

Pulsars exhibit stability comparable to atomic clocks.

Timing arrays can detect gravitational waves.

Projects are advancing towards practical detection capabilities.

Abstract

Pulsars are amongst the most stable rotators known in the Universe. Over many years some millisecond pulsars rival the stability of atomic clocks. Comparing observations of many such stable pulsars may allow the first direct detection of gravitational waves, improve the Solar System planetary ephemeris and provide a means to study irregularities in terrestrial time scales. Here we review the goals and status of current and future pulsar timing array projects.