Progress Report on the Binary Pulsar 1913+16

Abstract

We report on the current status of observations of the binary pulsar PSRI913+16. The average pulse shape, polarization and spectrum have been found to be similar to those of other pulsars. We find no evidence for irregularities in the rotational frequency of the pulsar. With present measurement uncertainties, timing measurements after a few more years will yield estimates of the individual masses of the pulsar and its companion. the orbital inclination and the derivative of the orbital period. Upper limits on the last parameter are already inconsistent with theories that predict dipole gravitational waves; its measurement will test a specific prediction of general relativity theory and will indirectly demonstrate the existence of gravitational waves.