GBT20B-214

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 most precise
tests of gravitational wave emission, the first evidence for light-bending at a neutron star,
a relativistic deformation of the orbit, among others. We still want to pursue our goal
of measuring the neutron star's moment-of-inertia, of which we have already an initial
(low-significance) measurement. Continued observations with the GBT will ensure this,
especially when connecting to new data sets to be gathered with MeerKAT with a
sufficient overlap. Overall, this will lead to further unprecedented tests of
general relativity and alternative theories of gravity.

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
Marta Burgay	Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica
Paulo Freire	Max-Planck-Institut für Radioastronomie
Nihan Pol	Oregon State University; Wisconsin at Milwaukee, University of; Texas Tech University
Dick Manchester	Australia Telescope National Facility
Andrew Lyne	Manchester, University of

* indicates the PI