The timing of the pulsars' emissions also prove for the first time the existence of gravitational waves.

"People go up against Einstein's general theory almost every day in an effort to prove it right or wrong, but the number of really accurate tests is small," said John P. Huchra, professor of astronomy and associate director of the Harvard observatory.

Huchra said he was glad that the prize was awarded for astronomy research.

"It used to be the case that no one in astronomy or astrophysics won," said Huchra. "There was a bit of prejudice against the field."

Most Harvard professors were not surprised at the winners.

"Mullis was due for a prize," said Fields. "There's no question that PCR methodology is powerful."

"I'm not surprised that someone like Joseph [Taylor] won, because he's a pretty sharp cookie," said Huchra.

Sheldon L. Glashow, professor of physics and a Nobel laureate, agreed, saying, "[Taylor and Hulse] were on my list of likelies."

So what does it feel like to win the Nobel prize?

In a statement yesterday, Taylor said, "One doesn't expect this. You occasionally hear bits and snatches of rumors, but it comes as a surprise. It's certainly a great personal honor and a reflection on the research group."

"It feels good, what can I say?" said Glashow, who won the physics Nobel in 1979. "It's a great joy to be appreciated in that fashion and to have a marvelous fairy tale trip to meet the king and queen."

The Nobel peace prize will be awarded Friday in Oslo, Norway.