# Testing Relativistic Gravity with Radio Pulsars

**Authors:** Norbert Wex  
**arXiv:** [1402.5594](https://arxiv.org/abs/1402.5594)  
**Date:** 2014-02-23  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/arxiv-id/1402.5594v1/

## Key points

- Precision tests for gravity theories were limited to the weak gravitational fields of the Solar system before the 1970s
- The discovery of the first binary pulsar in 1974 opened up a new avenue for testing gravitationally interacting bodies within a relativistic framework
- Binary pulsars allow for studying the back reaction of gravitational wave emission on the motion of the binary system and exploring aspects of orbital dynamics in strongly self-gravitating bodies
- Numerous pulsars have been identified as potential tools for precision tests of gravity, offering tests for various aspects of relativistic dynamics such as general relativity or scalar-tensor gravity
- Radio pulsars have been used to conduct gravity tests and explore implications for both gravitational physics and astronomy
- These findings contribute to upcoming endeavors such as gravitational wave astronomy
- Advancements made possible by studying binary pulsars have expanded our understanding of gravity beyond traditional limits and paved the way for future discoveries in gravitational wave astronomy.

## Summary

Before the 1970s, precision tests for gravity theories were limited to the weak gravitational fields of the Solar system. However, advancements in the field came with the discovery of the first binary pulsar by Russell Hulse and Joseph Taylor in 1974. This groundbreaking discovery opened up a completely new avenue for testing the dynamics of gravitationally interacting bodies within a relativistic framework. The binary pulsar provided an opportunity to study the back reaction of gravitational wave emission on the motion of the binary system and enabled researchers to explore aspects of orbital dynamics in strongly self-gravitating bodies that were previously inaccessible. As a result, numerous pulsars have since been identified as potential tools for precision tests of gravity. Depending on their orbital properties and companions, these pulsars offer tests for various aspects of relativistic dynamics such as general relativity or scalar-tensor gravity as well as generic constraints on potential deviations from general relativity in both strong-field and radiative regimes. This article serves as a comprehensive overview of this modern field known as relativistic celestial mechanics. It highlights some notable gravity tests conducted using radio pulsars and discusses their implications for both gravitational physics and astronomy. Additionally, it explores how these findings contribute to upcoming endeavors such as gravitational wave astronomy. In conclusion, through advancements made possible by studying binary pulsars, researchers have expanded our understanding of gravity beyond traditional limits. The use of radio pulsars has proven invaluable in conducting precision tests and exploring various aspects of relativistic dynamics, ultimately shaping our knowledge in gravitational physics and paving the way for future discoveries in gravitational wave astronomy.