Parkes observations for project P455 semester 2016OCTS

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.本项目旨在延续对人类发现的首个双脉冲星系统的计时与轮廓观测研究——该系统是引力物理学研究的独特天然实验室。近期取得的多项研究成果，包括首次测得高阶光传播效应与轨道的相对论形变，充分凸显了针对这一非凡系统开展长期观测计划的重要价值。本项目申请的核心目标是为广义相对论提供截至当前最为严苛的实验检验，并首次实现对中子星转动惯量的直接测量。此外，我们还将通过测地岁差效应确定该双星系统的几何结构，并绘制脉冲星的波束分布图谱。