Checking the variability of the gravitational constant with binary pulsars

TL;DR

This paper uses binary pulsar timing data and spacecraft measurements to constrain the possible variation of the gravitational constant over time, providing bounds within current observational limits.

Contribution

It combines pulsar timing and spacecraft data to establish new bounds on the variability of the gravitational constant G.

Findings

Bounds on ot G / G are between -0.6 and +2 ^{-12} per year.

Timing of binary pulsars supports the constancy of G within current measurement precision.

Results are consistent with general relativity and previous constraints.

Abstract

The most precise measurements are done at present by timing of radiopulsars in binary systems with two neutron stars. The timing measurements of the Taylor-Hulse pulsar B1913+16 gave the most precise results on testing of general relativity (GR), finding implicit proof of existence of gravitational waves. We show that available results of existing measurements, obtained to the year 1993, in combination with the results of the Mariner 10 in (1992), give the boundaries for the variation of the gravitational constant ${\dot G}/{G}$ inside the limits $(-0.6 \div +2)\cdot 10^{-12}$ year{$^{-1}$}.