Pulsar in stellar triple system makes unique gravitational laboratory

(National Radio Astronomy Observatory) The discovery of a millisecond pulsar -- a superdense neutron star -- in a triple system with two white dwarfs gives astronomers the most precise tool yet for studying the gravitational three-body problem. In addition, the nature of the stars and their interactions may give an unprecedented clue that points toward a new theory of gravity compatible, unlike general relativity, with quantum theory.