Extraordinary Physics with Millisecond Pulsars - Scott Ransom

This course aims to explore the extraordinary physics behind millisecond pulsars, focusing on their detection, timing observations, and the insights they provide into fundamental physics concepts. The learning outcomes include understanding the origins of millisecond pulsars, their detection methods, and their significance in gravitational wave research and general relativity tests. Students will learn about timing residuals, timing noise, gravitational wave detection, and the densest form of matter in the universe. The course teaches skills such as analyzing timing data, interpreting timing residuals, and comparing data from different telescopes. The teaching method involves lectures and discussions on specialized timing observations and their implications for astrophysics. The intended audience includes students and professionals interested in astrophysics, pulsar research, gravitational waves, and general relativity tests.