High speed Quote by John D. Barrow
““The pulsar is like a lighthouse beam spinning at high speed. Every time it comes around to face us we see a flash. Its rotation can be very accurately monitored by timing observations of its periodic pulses. Twenty years of observations have shown that the pulsing of the binary pulsar is slowing at exactly the rate predicted if the system is losing energy by radiating gravitational waves at the rate predicted by Einstein's theory.””
About This Quote
Source Scientific Paper: Observation of Gravitational Waves from a Binary Pulsar, 1993
The pulsar’s regular flashes confirm Einstein’s prediction that binary systems lose energy via gravitational waves, matching observed slowdown.
In simple terms: Pulsar timing proves gravitational wave theory.
Key Takeaway
Use precise measurements to test fundamental physics.
Themes
physics
astronomy
relativity
Mood
curious
inquisitive
Type
scientific
educational
When to use this quote
- pulsar timing
- astrophysics research
- educational outreach
Key Concepts
gravitational waves
binary systems
energy loss
Questions to Reflect On
- How does pulsar timing improve our understanding of gravity?
- What other phenomena could be measured similarly?
A Different Perspective
Only applies to specific binary pulsar systems; other systems may differ.
![“But if you think about a practical implication of enriching your life and giving you a sense of being part of a larger cosmos and possibly being able to use this [gravitational waves] as a tool in the future maybe to listen not just to black holes colliding, but maybe listen to the big bang…” quote by Brian Greene](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/706/brian-greene-2334_able_but-if-you-think-about-a-practical-impli_440947.jpg)
![“The President [Barack Obama] is very focused on [healthcare]. He, of course, is also writing this speech at high speed. And right coming up until the speech, he is convinced that a full plan, letter and verse of what the administration wants, will be released.” quote by Ron Suskind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/457/ron-suskind-10115_administration_the-president-barack-obama-is-very-focus_40912.jpg)
