GBT21A-216

Continued Timing of a Millisecond Pulsar in a Stellar Triple System

Abstract

The millisecond pulsar hierarchical triple system PSR J0337+1715 has provided us with a uniquely powerful test of the Strong Equivalence Principle --- a fundamental tenet of general relativity (Archibald et al. 2018, Nature, 559, 73). However, our ability to use PSR J0337+1715 as a laboratory for testing gravitational theories is limited by systematics in the pulsar times of arrival. These may arise, for example, from variations in the intervening inter-stellar medium, from variable solar weather, or from inaccuracies in online folding ephemerides. Here we request continued monitoring with an improved approach at 800 and 1400 MHz to better identify the origin of these systematics and to, ultimately, provide a stronger test of gravitational theory. As a secondary goal, we aim to also apply what we learn about systematics mitigation to other high-precision pulsar timing projects.

Investigators

Name	Institution
Patrick O'Neill	Newcastle University
Anne Archibald *	Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy; McGill University; Newcastle University
Nina Gusinskaia	Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy; Amsterdam, Universiteit van
Scott Ransom	National Radio Astronomy Observatory; Virginia, University of
Jason Hessels	Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy; Amsterdam, Universiteit van
Ryan Lynch	Green Bank Observatory
Ingrid Stairs	British Columbia, University of

* indicates the PI