Pulsar timing

Pulsar timing involves precisely measuring the arrivals of regular radio signals emitted by pulsars—rapidly spinning neutron stars—over time. Since pulsars emit beams of radiation that sweep across Earth like cosmic lighthouses, their signals are extremely consistent. By monitoring these signals with high accuracy, scientists can study subtle variations caused by effects like gravitational waves, planetary companions, or space-time distortions. This process allows astronomers to test theories of gravity and detect phenomena in the universe with remarkable precision, making pulsar timing a powerful tool for understanding fundamental physics.