Characterizing the dynamic magnetospheres of neutron stars

Pulsars are spinning neutron stars with densities exceeding that of nuclear matter, ultra-strong gravity, and magnetic fields much stronger than anything that can be created in a laboratory. Our recent MeerKAT radio telescope observations show intriguing complex quasi-periodic patterns in the otherwise regular sequences of pulses they produce. These present a major challenge to current theories and point to unknown physical processes operating in pulsar magnetospheres. This project will use world's most sensitive radio telescopes, including MeerKAT, to study the most challenging astrophysical sources in detail. This, together with our magnetospheric simulations, will reveal the true origin of these extraordinary patterns.