A popular alternative to relativity, string theory — which is actually an untested hypothesis — predicts inconstant constants.It assumes that sub-atomic particles are in fact one-dimensional vibrating strings and that the universe has 10 or more dimensions.
According to string theory, the extra dimensions are hidden from us, but the "true" constants of nature are defined in all dimensions.
Therefore, if the hidden dimensions expand or contract, we will notice this as a variation in our "local" three-dimensional constants.
Even if string theory is not correct, the current model of gravity will likely need to be revised to unite it with the other three fundamental forces, electromagnetism and the strong and weak nuclear forces.
"We have an incomplete theory, so you look for holes that will point to a new theory," Murphy says.
Varying constants may be just such a hole.
The other side
Not all quasar data is consistent with variations.
In 2004, a group of astronomers — including Petitjean — found no change in the fine structure constant using quasar spectra from the Very Large Telescope in Chile. No one has yet explained the discrepancy with the Keck telescope results.
"These measurements are so difficult, and at the extreme end of what can be achieved by the telescopes, that it is very difficult to answer this question," Petitjean says.
Other experiments outside astronomy have found no evidence for variation in the fine structure constant (alpha), although they do not examine the same very old period of time that quasars represent.
In other words, stay tuned!
I *saw* the string theory connection. Unfortunately Luboc Motl (I won't look up the Ascii HTML code for the accents on his name at this hour) is not a FREeper so I don't know if I'll get any qualified commentary on it.
However, is it too much to beg for a complimentary photo of Lisa Randall (goddess-Harvard)?
Cheers!
Science has Determined that Nature’s Fundamental Laws May Not Be Constant, but there are two Absolutes in Darwininsm that never change. One being the God of Natural Selection by Random Mutation, and the other that apes dropped out of the trees and became Man (or man is just an advanced ape).
Regards,