What is interesting about the orbit of the binary pulsar,PSR 1936+16,studied by Taylor and Hulse?
A)It is so small that the orbital period is smaller than the pulsar period.
B)It is growing smaller, presumably by emitting gravitational waves.
C)It provides evidence that it is being orbited by at least 6 planets the size of Jupiter.
D)It shows large changes each time an X-ray burst is emitted from the system.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The binary pulsar, PSR 1936+16, studied by Taylor and Hulse is interesting because its orbit is growing smaller, presumably by emitting gravitational waves. This observation provided indirect evidence for the existence of gravitational waves, which was later confirmed by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO).

What Is Interesting About the Orbit of the Binary Pulsar,PSR