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Dr Marta Burgay PhD is a radio astronomer whose initial claim to fame was being the discoverer^[1][2][3] of PSR J0737-3039, the first binary pulsar (two pulsars orbiting each other), through using the 64 metre Parkes radio telescope in Australia.

J0737–3039

The pair PSR J0737-3039 are only some 800,000 km apart, or about twice the distance between the Earth and Moon. The two object orbit each other at 300 kilometers per second (670,000 miles per hour), completing an orbit every 2.4 hours.

Einstein's relativity effects can be observed using the unique (as in, the only one yet observed) characteristics of the pair and their geometry with respect to Earth^[4] (as Earth is looking almost directly in line with the plane of rotation of the pulsars.)

References

1. ^ Pulsar find boosts hope for gravity-wave hunters, CSIRO, 3 December 2003, accessed 2009-05-11
2. ^ New Binary Neutron Star Will Test Einstein, Robert Naeye, Sky and Telescope, 2003.12.12, accessed 2009-05-11
3. ^ Einstein Passes New Tests, Robert Naeye, Sky and Telescope, 3 March 2005, accessed 2009-05-11
4. ^ The sound of the universe singing, ABC Radio National 360 program, 9 May 2009, accessed 2009-05-10