Strong field tests of gravity with PSR J1141-6545

TL;DR

This paper reports initial timing results from the pulsar-white dwarf binary PSR J1141-6545, aiming to test gravity theories with high precision despite challenges from profile variations and noise.

Contribution

It presents the first timing-based test of gravity using PSR J1141-6545, addressing observational challenges and outlining methods to improve measurement accuracy.

Findings

Preliminary results support GR predictions within current measurement precision.

Timing irregularities due to geodetic precession and noise are identified and addressed.

The system offers a promising avenue for stringent gravity tests in asymmetric binaries.

Abstract

The initial results from timing observations of PSR J1141-6545, a relativistic pulsar white-dwarf binary system, are presented. Predictions from the timing baseline hint at the most stringent test of gravity by an asymmetric binary yet. The timing precision has been hindered by the dramatic variations of the pulse profile due to geodetic precession, a pulsar glitch and red timing noise. Methods to overcome such timing irregularities are briefly presented along with preliminary results from the test of the General Theory of Relativity (GR) from this pulsar