Parkes observations for project P455 semester 2017OCTS

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 and improve the astrometry.

本项目将延续对首个双脉冲星系统（double-pulsar system）的计时与脉冲轮廓研究，该系统是引力物理学领域独一无二的实验平台。近期取得的研究成果——包括首次对高阶光传播效应与轨道相对论形变的测量——凸显了对该特殊系统开展长期观测计划的重要性。本项目的核心目标是为广义相对论（General Relativity）提供迄今为止最为严苛的检验，并首次实现对中子星（neutron star）转动惯量（moment-of-inertia）的测量。此外，我们将通过测地进动（geodetic precession）确定该系统的几何结构并绘制脉冲星辐射束轮廓，同时提升天体测量学（astrometry）的精度。