PPTA (Parkes Pulsar Timing Array)

The Parkes Pulsar Timing Array (PPTA) is a scientific project that uses a network of highly precise radio telescopes to observe and monitor the signals from multiple pulsars—spinning neutron stars that emit regular radio pulses. By measuring the arrival times of these pulses very accurately over years, scientists can detect tiny disturbances caused by passing gravitational waves—ripples in spacetime from massive cosmic events. The PPTA aims to understand gravitational waves at very low frequencies, complementing other gravitational wave detectors, and offers insights into phenomena like black hole mergers and the universe’s expansion.