Two clocks in the PSR J0737--3039 binary system and their implications for the system's origin and evolution

Abstract

As discussed elsewhere in these proceedings, the double pulsar system is a magnificent laboratory for gravitational physics and for studying pulsar magnetospheres. Here we consider the uses of having two clocks in the system in the context of its origin and evolution. We find that the ``standard'' evolutionary scenario involving spin-up of the first-born neutron star in an X-ray binary phase is consistent with the observed parameters. Equality of the spin-down ages of the two pulsars requires that the post-accretion spin period of A most likely lies in the range $16 \lapp P_{\rm 0,A} \lapp 21$ ms. The likely age of the system is 30-70 Myr.