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Title

Self-consistency of relativistic observables with general relativity in the white dwarf-neutron star binary PSR J1141-6545

Author(s)

Bailes, Matthew;  Ord, Stephen M.;  Knight, Haydon S.;  Hotan, Aidan W.

Abstract

Here we report timing measurements of the relativistic binary PSR J1141-6545 that constrain the component masses and demonstrate that the orbital period derivative Pb=(-4+/-1)×10-13 is consistent with gravitational wave emission as described by the general theory of relativity. The mass of the neutron star and its companion are 1.30+/-0.02 and 0.986+/-0.02 Msolar, respectively, suggesting a white dwarf companion and extending the range of systems for which general relativity provides a correct description. On evolutionary grounds, the progenitor mass of PSR J1141-6545 should be near the minimum for neutron star production. Its mass is 2 standard deviations below the mean of the other neutron stars, suggesting a relationship between progenitor and remnant masses.

Publication type

Journal article

Research centre

Swinburne University of Technology. School of Biophysical Science and Electrical Engineering. Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing

Source

Astrophysical Journal Letters, Vol. 595, no. 1 (Sep 2003), pp. L49-L52

Publication year

2003

Keyword(s)

Binaries: close;  Gravitational waves;  Neutron stars;  Pulsars: general;  Pulsars: individual (PSR J1141-6545);  Relativity

Publisher

University of Chicago Press

ISSN

0004-637X

Publisher URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/378939

Copyright

Copyright © 2003 The American Astronomical Society. Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.

Full text

Peer reviewed