Open AccessA neutral hydrogen distance limit to the relativistic binary PSR J1141–6545
Author(s) -
Ord S. M.,
Bailes M.,
Van Straten W.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
monthly notices of the royal astronomical society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.058
H-Index - 383
eISSN - 1365-2966
pISSN - 0035-8711
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-8711.2002.05810.x
Subject(s) - physics , pulsar , gravitational wave , binary number , general relativity , observable , limit (mathematics) , theory of relativity , orbital period , gravitation , astrophysics , stars , astronomy , classical mechanics , quantum mechanics , mathematical analysis , arithmetic , mathematics
We have obtained an H i absorption spectrum of the relativistic binary PSR J1141–6545 and used it to constrain the distance to the system. The spectrum suggests that the pulsar is at, or beyond, the tangent point, estimated to be at 3.7 kpc. PSR J1141–6545 offers the promise of stringent tests of general relativity (GR) by comparing its observed orbital period derivative with that derived from other relativistic observables. At the distance of PSR J1141–6545 it should be possible to verify GR to an accuracy of just a few per cent, as contributions to the observed orbital period derivative from kinematic terms will be a small fraction of that induced by the emission of gravitational radiation. PSR J1141–6545 will thus make an exceptional gravitational laboratory.