GBT19B-199

Timing and General Relativity in the Double Pulsar System

Abstract

We propose to continue our observations of the double pulsar J0737-3039A/B.
This system of two pulsars provides a truly unique laboratory for both
relativistic gravitational physics and plasma physics. Our regular
observations of this system since July 2004, at 820 and 1400 MHz, have
contributed invaluably to our current timing solution, resulting in
unsurpassed constraints on deviations from General Relativity. The precision of these tests will further increase, giving access to previously unmeasured relativistic effects. The GBT plays the pivotal role in this undertaking as its sensitivity provides much greater precision than any other telescope; we demonstrate this in detail. We request 101 hours to continue our monitoring in 2019-20, as well as to conduct further intensive campaigns to improve parallax our parallax measurement, detect and monitor profile changes in both pulsars caused by precessional, aberrational or electromagnetic effects, and to utilize the evolution of the eclipse and of the unusual modulation in B's single pulses for further tests of alternative theories of gravity and magnetospheric models. The same data will be used to attempt the determination of a neutron star's moment-of-inertia in the future, and hence to probe the equation-of-state of highly condensed matter.

Investigators

Name	Institution
Michael Kramer *	Manchester, University of; Max-Planck-Institut für Radioastronomie
Ingrid Stairs	British Columbia, University of
Maura McLaughlin	West Virginia University
Robert Ferdman	McGill University; East Anglia, University of
Andrea Possenti	Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica
Paulo Freire	Max-Planck-Institut für Radioastronomie
Nihan Pol	Oregon State University; Wisconsin at Milwaukee, University of; Texas Tech University
Andrew Lyne	Manchester, University of
Dick Manchester	Australia Telescope National Facility
Marta Burgay	Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica

* indicates the PI