Gravitational waves from an orbiting pulsar

The reported investigation provides the strongest evidence now available for the existence of gravitational radiation. Gravitational radiation has been predicted by Einstein's general theory of relativity, according to which an accelerating mass should radiate energy in the form of gravitational waves. Yet in cases of their suspected emission, the waves would be so weak, that they could not be detected. The binary pulsar PSR 1913 + 16 represents an object suitable for testing the prediction regarding gravitational radiation. In the absence of possibilities for a direct detection of the gravitational waves, possibilities exist for an indirect detection. An emission of gravitational radiation should lead to a gradual reduction in the orbital energy, causing the orbital period to decrease. It was found that the rate of decrease in the orbital period is proceeding at almost precisely the rate predicted by general relativity. The rate of decrease is not consistent with the predictions of other gravitational theories.