PTA (Pulsar Timing Arrays)

Pulsar Timing Arrays (PTAs) are a method for detecting gravitational waves—the ripple-like distortions in spacetime caused by massive cosmic events—by monitoring very precise signals from a network of pulsars, which are highly regular rotating neutron stars. These pulsars emit radio waves at incredibly steady intervals. When a gravitational wave passes through Earth, it slightly alters the arrival times of these signals across the network. By analyzing consistent timing deviations from multiple pulsars, PTAs can identify and study low-frequency gravitational waves generated by phenomena like merging supermassive black holes, opening a new window for understanding the universe.