One pulsar, two white dwarfs, and a planet confirming the strong equivalence principle

TL;DR

This paper reports on high-precision timing of a unique triple system with a pulsar and white dwarfs, providing the strongest test of the strong equivalence principle in the strong-field regime and exploring potential planetary influences.

Contribution

It introduces a new timing analysis of PSR J0337+1715, setting the most stringent limits on violations of the strong equivalence principle and suggesting possible planetary effects.

Findings

Most stringent limit on strong equivalence principle violation to date

Detection of a tiny residual signal potentially explained by a small planet

Development of a high-accuracy relativistic three-body timing model

Abstract

The strong equivalence principle is a cornerstone of general relativity, tested with exquisite accuracy in the Solar system. However, tests in the strong-field regime require a compact object. Currently, PSR J0337+1715 is the unique millisecond pulsar found in a triple stellar system, orbiting two white dwarfs within an area comparable to the orbit of the Earth. This configuration offers the opportunity for a dramatic improvement over previous tests, provided that accurate and regular timing of the pulsar can be achieved. This also requires the development of a new timing model solving numerically the relativistic three-body problem with great accuracy. We report on the analysis of the high-quality dataset gathered on PSR J0337+1715 by the Nan{\c c}ay radiotelescope over the past 8 years. In particular, I will show how we could obtain the most stringent limit to-date on a potential violation of the strong equivalent principle in the strong field regime. I will also introduce preliminary resuts showing that the presence of a small planet in the system may explain a tiny residual signal so far unaccounted for, which if confirmed would make this system exceptionally rich.