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Published Online February 5, 2009
Science DOI: 10.1126/science.1167969

Reports

Submitted on October 31, 2008
Accepted on January 20, 2009

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

A. T. Deller 1*, M. Bailes 1, S. J. Tingay 2

1 Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing, Swinburne University of Technology, Mail H39, P.O. Box 218, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia.
2 Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy, Curtin University of Technology, Bentley, WA, Australia.

* To whom correspondence should be addressed.
A. T. Deller , E-mail: adeller{at}astro.swin.edu.au

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–1). 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.




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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)