# Large European Array for Pulsars

## Objective

In general relativity and other relativistic theories of gravity, space and time are combined to form space-time'' which is curved in the presence of mass. As masses move, for instance like the two components in a binary system, ripples in space-time are created that propagate through the Universe, very much like waves caused by a stone falling into a pond. These gravitational waves'' (GWs) are known to exist from the effect that they have on a system of two orbiting stars. After inferring their existence indirectly, the next great challenge is the {\em direct} detection of GWs. While this is the aim of a number of gravitational wave detectors around the world, a detection has not been made. Fortunately, a method exists that allows us today to detect GWs directly, in a frequency range that is much lower but complementary to those covered by ground-based detectors. This method utilises the radio astronomical observations of a special type of star known as radio pulsars. We propose an experiment to achieve the ground-breaking goal of GW detection with the help of an innovative approach. At the heart of this approach, named LEAP, lies the goal to combine the collective power of Europe's biggest radio-telescopes to form the biggest fully-steerable telescope on Earth, providing a leap'' in our sensitivity to go beyond the threshold that delivers the first direct detection of GWs. While the rewards for a successful detection of GWs are immense, we demonstrate that this is possible by harvesting the experience and resources uniquely available in Europe.

### Call for proposal

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### Host institution

THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER
M13 9PL Manchester
United Kingdom

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Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Liz Fay (Ms.)
Principal investigator
Michael Kramer (Prof.)
EU contribution
€ 1 487 248,47

### Beneficiaries (5)

THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER
United Kingdom
EU contribution
€ 1 487 248,47
M13 9PL Manchester

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Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Liz Fay (Ms.)
Principal investigator
Michael Kramer (Prof.)
MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV
Germany
EU contribution
€ 407 080
Hofgartenstrasse 8
80539 Munchen

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Activity type
Research Organisations
Karl-Heinz Böckelmann (Mr.)
OBSERVATOIRE DE PARIS
France
EU contribution
€ 192 775,10
Avenue De L Observatoire 61
75014 Paris

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Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Mathieu Jacques (Mr.)
STICHTING ASTRONOMISCH ONDERZOEK IN NEDERLAND
Netherlands
EU contribution
€ 257 412,98
Oude Hoogeveensedijk 4
7991PD Dwingeloo

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Activity type
Research Organisations
Janneke Wubs-Komdeur (Ms.)
ISTITUTO NAZIONALE DI ASTROFISICA
Italy
EU contribution
€ 110 768,45