Varying alpha: New constraints from seasonal variations

John D. Barrow and Douglas J. Shaw
Phys. Rev. D 78, 067304 – Published 30 September 2008

Abstract

We analyze the constraints obtained from new atomic clock data on the possible time variation of the fine structure “constant” and the electron-proton mass ratio, and show how they are strengthened when the seasonal variation of the Sun’s gravitational field at the Earth’s surface is taken into account. We compare these bounds with those obtainable from tests of the weak equivalence principle and high redshift observations of quasar absorption spectra.

  • Figure
  • Received 27 June 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.78.067304

©2008 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

John D. Barrow1 and Douglas J. Shaw2

  • 1DAMTP, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA, United Kingdom
  • 2School of Mathematical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom

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Issue

Vol. 78, Iss. 6 — 15 September 2008

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