Strong-field gravity tests with binary pulsars
Abstract
In view of concepts like dark matter and dark energy, one of the fundamental questions of science is whether general relativity is a complete description of the gravitational interaction among bodies at macroscopic scales. Some of the best experiments supporting this hypothesis come from high precision timing of radio pulsars. In this talk we will present recent advances in the field, focusing on the study of PSR J1738+0333, a millisecond pulsar - white dwarf binary whose exceptional characteristics allow for a precise measurement of the orbital decay due to the emission of gravitational radiation. In combination with optical studies of the white dwarf companion, the timing measurements set generic limits on the emission of dipolar gravitational radiation that provide the best constrains for scalar-tensor theories of gravity and possibly a wide range of relativistic formulations of Modified-Newtonian-Dynamics. In closing, we will discuss advances in all fronts, from instrumentation to the discovery and study of new highly constraining systems.
- Publication:
-
10th Hellenic Astronomical Conference
- Pub Date:
- January 2012
- Bibcode:
- 2012hell.conf...22A