Implications of a VLBI Distance to the Double Pulsar J0737-3039A/B

TL;DR

This study uses VLBI observations to measure the distance and motion of the double pulsar J0737-3039A/B, enabling more precise tests of gravitational theories and insights into its formation.

Contribution

It provides the first direct VLBI distance measurement to the system, significantly improving the accuracy of gravitational tests and understanding of its astrophysical properties.

Findings

Distance to the pulsar system is 1150+220-160 pc.

The system's transverse velocity is approximately 9 km/s.

Results enable gravitational radiation tests at the 0.01% level.

Abstract

The double pulsar J0737-3039A/B is a unique system with which to test gravitational theories in the strong-field regime. However, the accuracy of such tests will be limited by knowledge of the distance and relative motion of the system. Here we present very long baseline interferometry observations which reveal that the distance to PSR J0737-3039A/B is 1150+220-160 pc, more than double previous estimates, and confirm its low transverse velocity (~9 km/s). Combined with a decade of pulsar timing, these results will allow tests of gravitational radiation emission theories at the 0.01% level, putting stringent constraints on theories which predict dipolar gravitational radiation. They also allow insight into the system's formation and the source of its high-energy emission.