Binary Pulsars and Theoretical Gravity

Explore the groundbreaking field of binary pulsar physics in this comprehensive lecture by Thibault Damour from the Institut des Hautes Etudes Scientifiques (IHES). Delve into the theoretical advancements triggered by the discovery of binary pulsars over the past 50 years. Learn about the first binary pulsar system, PSR B1913+16, discovered in 1974 by Russell Hulse and Joseph Taylor, and examine remarkable systems like the double binary pulsar PSR J0737−3039A/B and the triple system PSR J0337+1715. Understand how binary pulsars have opened new experimental windows on relativistic gravity, providing the first direct observational proof that gravity propagates at the speed of light and enabling accurate tests of strong-field relativistic gravity. Gain insights into the theoretical works inspired by binary pulsars and their significant impact on our understanding of gravitational physics in this 1 hour and 24 minute presentation.