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Ingrid Stairs

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Ingrid Stairs is a Canadian astrophysicist and professor at the University of British Columbia specializing in the observation of radio pulsars. Her research focuses on utilizing binary pulsar systems to conduct rigorous tests of Einstein's general theory of relativity and understanding the complex physics of neutron stars. She has led numerous observational campaigns using major radio telescopes, such as the Arecibo Observatory and the Parkes radio telescope. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the Rutherford Memorial Medal in Physics in 2017.

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What does Ingrid Stairs study at the University of British Columbia?

Ingrid Stairs studies radio pulsars, which are rapidly rotating neutron stars that emit regular radio signals. Her work at the University of British Columbia uses pulsars to test Einstein’s general theory of relativity.

How can binary pulsars test Einstein’s theory of relativity?

A binary pulsar orbits another compact object, creating a precise natural clock in a strong gravitational field. Changes in the timing of its radio pulses can reveal effects such as orbital decay predicted by general relativity.

What is a radio pulsar?

A radio pulsar is a rotating neutron star whose beam of radio emission sweeps past Earth like a lighthouse. Astronomers can measure the arrival times of its pulses with extraordinary precision.

Why are binary pulsars important in astronomy?

Binary pulsars allow researchers to study gravity under conditions that cannot be reproduced on Earth. Their orbital timing has provided some of the strongest tests of general relativity outside the Solar System.

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