Relativistic Binary Pulsar Systems

COFFEE_KLATCH · Invited

Abstract

Radio pulsars in double-neutron-star systems provide the best tests of strong-field gravitational theories. I will present recent observations of PSR B1534+12 and the double-pulsar system J0737-3039A/B. In both cases, the pulsar timing observations are sensitive to multiple relativistic corrections to the basic Keplerian orbit, and therefore yield multiple tests of general relativity, with the double pulsar providing the strongest test to date. General relativistic effects are also observable via profile shape changes due to geodetic precession; for B1534+12 a measurement of the precession rate is possible. I will discuss the implications and future prospects for both systems.

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Authors

  • James C. Evans

    The Evergreen State College, Department of Physics, University of Washington, University of Missouri-St. Louis, Portland State University, Whitman College, University of British Columbia, University of Portland, Dordt College, Calvin College, Evergreen State College, Department of Materials Science, Tmfy-MSE, The Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden, National Center for Electron Microscopy, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, USA, Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of California at Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA, Department of Physics, Portland State University, P.O. Box 751, Portland, OR 97207-0751, USA, Army Research Lab, Physics Dept., Washington State University, Chair of the Local Organizing Committee, Department of Physics, University of Puget Sound