theory.toys – Pulsar Timing

Spin-down: Detect the gradual slowdown from magnetic braking
Binary orbits: Measure Rømer delay as pulsar orbits companion
Gravitational waves: Timing arrays detect nanohertz GW signals
Characteristic age: τ = P/(2Ṗ) estimates pulsar age

Period P (ms): 33.0 Period Derivative Ṗ (10⁻¹⁵): 10.0

Include Binary Orbit Orbital Period (days): 10.0 Projected Semi-major Axis (lt-s): 5.0

Add Timing Noise🔑 Unlock

Noise Level (μs): 10 Observation Span (days): 100

Pulsars are rotating neutron stars that emit beams of radiation. By precisely measuring pulse arrival times, we can:

Timing residuals show deviations from a simple constant-period model, revealing spin-down and orbital motion.