Date/Time
Date(s) - 14/02/2007
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Title: Relativistic Binary Pulsars

Speaker: Dr. Ingrid Stairs

Institute: University of British Columbia

Location: ABB 102

Description:

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. I will also discuss observations of geodetic precession and implications for the formation of the two systems.