Long-term project observations for project P1032 semester 2026OCTS_04

Abstract

With this proposal, we aim to continue P1032; measuring timing parameters of relativistic parameters of southern binary pulsar systems, by using data from the Parkes Ultra Wideband Low (UWL) receiver. With this Long Term Project, focus on rapid measurements of relativistic parameters, as well as parameters informing their orbital configuration, in order to enable tests of the theory of GR and constrain binary evolution scenarios, mainly via Neutron Star (NS) mass measurements. As the MeerTime project at the MeerKAT radio telescope ended in early 2024, observations with the UWL receiver now form the backbone for extending the timing baselines of many pulsars that have been part of this project. Since the source selection in the previous semesters was tailored such that the UWL receiver is the most (versatile and) suited instrument to achieve the proposed scientific goals for the chosen pulsars, we propose to continue these observations. We will use the UWL data to obtain significant orbital coverage and timing baselines on these pulsars and obtain important constraints on orbital and temporal DM variations that will help in identifying the nature of the companion stars. In addition to our main science goals, increasing the number of measured NS masses, as well as improving on current constraints has profound implications for understanding the NS internal structure.