Are the Fundamental Constants Changing?

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Previous Episode:
The Future of Space Telescopes

Webb et al. 1998, A Search for Time Variation of the Fine Structure Constant

Webb et al. 2011, A Search for Time Variation of the Fine Structure Constant

Martins & Pinho 2016, Stability of Fundamental Couplings: a Global Analysis

The laws of physics are the same everywhere in the universe. At least we astrophysicists hope so. After all, it’s hard to unravel the complexities of distant parts of the universe if we don’t know the basic rules. But what if this is wrong? There is a hint of evidence that the fundamental constants that govern our universe may evolve over time, and even from one location to another.

Written by Graeme Gossel and Matt O’Dowd
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[implodinggoat]

Great, now I can add the fundamental constants of the universe changing and altering the chemistry and physics that hold my body together to my list of existential terrors.

[xxxx]

At the end of every episode, I'm just sitting there, waiting for it...
11:03
"We may one day find that our sacred laws of physics..."
- Is he gonna say it?
"...and their underlying constants..."
- He is gonna say it!
"...aren't so constant afterall..."
- Here it is!
"...beyond our little patch..."
- OF SPACETIME! OF SPACETIME!
"...of spacetime."
:-D <- my face

[wynnschaible]

"Constants aren't, variables don't." -- Murphy

[MomijiSour]

I never knew light being emitted sounded like casting a spell in Morrowind.

[kateorman]

I've been struggling with online explanations of the fine structure constant. As a lay person, I'm so grateful to have an explanation I can actually understand!

[EebstertheGreat]

This does not surprise me. Tax is a universal constant that changes every year.

[Windupmykilt]

The gift of PBS Space Time is definitely an unchanging universal constant. Love this show.

[crunk]

4:49 Your Atomic Physics skill increased to 32. You should rest and meditate on what you've learned.

[ManicEightBall]

you have to love a science where 4-sigma is "tentative"

[billmalcolm]

Think I still have a wooden meter stick if you want to borrow it.

[pablogarin]

I have a thought about this: maybe it's not changing, but oscillating, going back and forth, always in between a specific range which would allow the fundamental laws of physics remain stable enough tough space-time.

[sjnm]

Now I know why my microwave never cooks food hot enough any more.

[nyagineko]

An unconstant constant, thanks quantum physics, you broke me again

[NewMessage]

Well.. at least that beard is constant.

[roymartin]

Mathematicians = omg, new math
Physicists = I may unlock a new part of reality
Chemists = we will wait on the physics
Engineers = what i have is good enough
Geologists (my field) = aww, stop messing with my results...

[nickdaughenbaugh]

Australia: alpha was smaller in the past
Chile: no, alpha was bigger in the past
pᴉɐs I ʇɐɥʍ s, ʇɐɥʇ :ɐᴉlɐɹʇsn∀

[cypheir]

OMG, he acknowledged the Thargoids!!!

[rkpetry]

[02:16] ⅔ c—that's cute: Rømer's first estimate in measuring the orbits of Jupiter's moons.

[experthearingcarelascruces]

Your discussion of fine structure was actually the physics leading to hyperfine structure. Fine structure is what was used for the alpha variation experiments - and fine structure is due to spin-orbit coupling. BTW, I was a co-author on the first paper you mentioned! Nice presentation. I love your channel.

[Rubbergnome]

There is a typo in the Standard Model Lagrangian. In the second row, W_\mu should have \mu as an index. Great video as always!