# New double pulsar testbed for GR and alts.

1. Sep 14, 2006

### marcus

http://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0609417
Tests of general relativity from timing the double pulsar

M. Kramer, I.H. Stairs, R.N. Manchester, M.A. McLaughlin, A.G. Lyne, R.D. Ferdman, M. Burgay, D.R. Lorimer, A. Possenti, N. D'Amico, J.M. Sarkissian, G.B. Hobbs, J.E. Reynolds, P.C.C. Freire, F. Camilo
Appeared in Science Express, Sept. 14, 2006.

"The double pulsar system, PSR J0737-3039A/B, is unique in that both neutron stars are detectable as radio pulsars. This, combined with significantly higher mean orbital velocities and accelerations when compared to other binary pulsars, suggested that the system would become the best available testbed for general relativity and alternative theories of gravity in the strong-field regime. Here we report on precision timing observations taken over the 2.5 years since its discovery and present four independent strong-field tests of general relativity. Use of the theory-independent mass ratio of the two stars makes these tests uniquely different from earlier studies. By measuring relativistic corrections to the Keplerian description of the orbital motion, we find that the post-Keplerian'' parameter s agrees with the value predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity within an uncertainty of 0.05%, the most precise test yet obtained. We also show that the transverse velocity of the system's center of mass is extremely small. Combined with the system's location near the Sun, this result suggests that future tests of gravitational theories with the double pulsar will supersede the best current Solar-system tests. It also implies that the second-born pulsar may have formed differently to the usually assumed core-collapse of a helium star."

IMO this is a Nobel-grade double pulsar.

One partner's period is 22 millisecond and the other is 2.7 second
and they orbit each other every 2.4 hours

so you have these very accurate clocks orbiting each other and the gravity and kinetics are extreme----very dense very strong attraction very fast. wonderful set-up for testing modifications of classical GR gravity.

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