Parkes observations for project P455 semester 2019APRS_01

This project is to continue timing and profile studies of the first double-pulsar system, a unique laboratory for gravitational physics. Recent results, including the first measurements of higher-order light-propagation effects and of the relativistic deformation of the orbit, highlight the importance of a long term observational campaign for this remarkable system. The main aims of this proposal are to provide the strongest tests to date for general relativity and to measure for the first time the moment-of-inertia of a neutron star. Additionally, we will determine the system geometry and map the pulsar beams via geodetic precession. Whenever possible, we will exploit the high sensitivity of the new UWL receiver.

本项目旨在对首个双脉冲星系统（double-pulsar system）开展持续计时与脉冲轮廓研究，该系统是引力物理研究的独特实验平台。近期的研究成果——包括首次测得高阶光传播效应与轨道的相对论形变——凸显了针对这一非同寻常的系统开展长期观测计划的重要意义。本研究申请的核心目标包括：对广义相对论开展迄今为止最为严苛的检验，以及首次测量中子星的转动惯量。此外，我们还将通过测地进动（geodetic precession）确定该系统的几何结构，并绘制脉冲星的射电波束分布。在条件允许的情况下，我们将充分利用新型UWL接收机的高灵敏度开展观测工作。