One of Nature's constants may not be constant

Scientists from the University of New South Wales propose that one of the constants of Nature may not be constant in all circumstances. Using the Hubble Space Telescope they examined the value of alpha on a white dwarf, the very dense remnant of star in its final evolutionary state. Alpha is the fine-structure constant characterizing the strength of the electromagnetic interaction and is thought to be constant all around the Universe. However, these scientists propose that alpha may have a slightly different value in a dense gravitational field like the one on the surface of a white dwarf. Now they are going to engage in further and more precise measurements to back up their theory with solid evidence.

Physical constants are thought to be consistent all across the cosmos. Claiming their variability is a brave conjecture. Physicists have long been struggling to combine the Standard Model of particle physics with Einstein's general theory of relativity. The role and effects of gravitation on subatomic processes are not yet understood. Introducing gravitation into the existing quantum theories is believed to lead us to the Theory of Everything. If this research brings promising results that will move us one step closer to attain this ultimate goal. It will be worth following its progress.