NORWICH, U.K. — “Einstein’s theory of relativity has passed a huge test involving pulsar stars — extremely dense neutron stars that emit beams of radiation and particles from their magnetic poles.”
“Researchers writing in the journal Physical Review X observed a double pulsar system for 16 years, using large telescopes to note changes in the timing of flashes they produce that are visible from Earth, according to The Conversation.”
“They were attempting to compare what they saw to the theory of general relativity, which suggests the ultra-dense double pulsar system, which rotates very consistently, strains the fabric of space-time, sending gravitational ripples away at the speed of light that incrementally drain the system of orbital energy.”
“Using the flashes visible from Earth, the researchers measured the amount of energy taken away by these gravitational waves, causing tiny changes in orbital motion, and found it closely matches what Einstein’s general relativity predicts, with the latest observations from the study suggest an energy loss of 0.013 percent, according to the American Physical Society.”
“However, the research does not mean scientists will stop testing Einstein’s theory, for one crucial reason: ‘General relativity is not compatible with the other fundamental forces described by quantum mechanics. It is therefore important to continue to place the most stringent tests upon general relativity as possible, to discover how and when the theory breaks down,’ one study co-author explained in a statement cited by Space.com.”
“Researchers writing in the journal Physical Review X observed a double pulsar system for 16 years, using large telescopes to note changes in the timing of flashes they produce that are visible from Earth, according to The Conversation.”
“They were attempting to compare what they saw to the theory of general relativity, which suggests the ultra-dense double pulsar system, which rotates very consistently, strains the fabric of space-time, sending gravitational ripples away at the speed of light that incrementally drain the system of orbital energy.”
“Using the flashes visible from Earth, the researchers measured the amount of energy taken away by these gravitational waves, causing tiny changes in orbital motion, and found it closely matches what Einstein’s general relativity predicts, with the latest observations from the study suggest an energy loss of 0.013 percent, according to the American Physical Society.”
“However, the research does not mean scientists will stop testing Einstein’s theory, for one crucial reason: ‘General relativity is not compatible with the other fundamental forces described by quantum mechanics. It is therefore important to continue to place the most stringent tests upon general relativity as possible, to discover how and when the theory breaks down,’ one study co-author explained in a statement cited by Space.com.”
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