Abstract

Invited Talk - Splinter Relativistic   (MW-2050)

New insights from the Double Pulsar

Huanchen Hu, Michael Kramer, Willem van Straten, Norbert Wex et al.
Dresden University of Technology; Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy

The Double Pulsar, PSR J0737-3039A/B, remains one of the most powerful laboratories for testing general relativity (GR) in the strong-field regime, having already yielded more independent tests of GR than any other system. Here we report on new insights from the most recent studies using MeerKAT observations. We first present evidence for subtle variations in the pulse profile of pulsar A, whose long-term stability underpins the high-precision timing. Building on this foundation, we present progress towards the first timing-based measurement of a neutron star moment of inertia (MoI), obtained via the frame-dragging effect; this promises an independent, model-light constraint on the neutron-star equation of state, complementing gravitational wave and X-ray constraints. Finally, we discuss the recent detection of relativistic deformation of the orbit. These results underline the unique and continuing role of the Double Pulsar as a laboratory for fundamental physics.