  We summarize our results on the Galactic merger rate of double neutron stars
(DNS) in view of the recent discovery of PSR J0737-3039. We also present
previously unpublished results for the 'global' probability distribution of
merger rate values that incorporate the presently known systematics from the
radio pulsar luminosity function. The most likely value obtained from the
global distribution is only ~15 per Myr, but a re-analysis of the current
pulsar sample and radio luminosities is needed for a reliable assessment of the
best fitting distribution. Finally, we use our theoretical understanding of DNS
formation to calculate a possible upper limit on the DNS merger rate from
current Type Ib/c supernova rate estimates.

Astrophysics