New results from LOFAR

TL;DR

LOFAR is a next-generation radio telescope operating at 10-250 MHz, providing high-quality data that enables new insights into pulsar emission, magneto-ionic medium, and future astrophysical research.

Contribution

This paper presents initial results from LOFAR's commissioning phase, demonstrating its capabilities for pulsar studies and outlining future scientific prospects.

Findings

Constraints on pulsar emission sites

Observations of millisecond pulsars

Studies of the magneto-ionic medium

Abstract

The LOw Frequency Array, LOFAR, is a next generation radio telescope with its core in the Netherlands and elements distributed throughout Europe. It has exceptional collecting area and wide bandwidths at frequencies from 10 MHz up to 250 MHz. It is in exactly this frequency range where pulsars are brightest and also where they exhibit rapid changes in their emission profiles. Although LOFAR is still in the commissioning phase it is already collecting data of high quality. I will present highlights from our commissioning observations which will include: unique constraints on the site of pulsar emission, individual pulse studies, observations of millisecond pulsars, using pulsars to constrain the properties of the magneto-ionic medium and pilot pulsars surveys. I will also discuss future science projects and advances in the observing capabilities.