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Prof. Boynton's research interests are divided between studies of rotating neutron stars and experimental tests of theories of gravity. Dr. Boynton's astrophysics research is focussed on satellite observations of X-ray pulsars. The goal of this ongoing project is to study the physics of matter accretion onto neutron stars under the extreme conditions resulting from the presence of an intense, rapidly rotating magnetosphere. Dr. Boynton and his collaborators recently completed an X-ray timing investigation of the rotation-powered 50 ms pulsar (PSR B0540-69). They are currently studying XTE observations of the accretion-powered pulsar SMC X-1. Dr. Boynton is also constructing a high-precision null test of weak gravity. To first order, this experiment is sensitive only to a departure from zero of the Laplacian of the gravitation potential (for more, click here).