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Fine Structure Constant


Timboo

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If the fine structure changes, then it's not actually a constant. If photons lose energy with expansion, then they are subject to time delays. What you say is possible, whether it is actually real is another matter for a deeper discussion.

So it is possible then in our lifetime this can cause vacuum decay? If the dead galaxy that was found not long ago was caused by a change in the fine structure constant then vacuum decay could be on its way?

Edited by Timboo
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So it is possible then in our lifetime this can cause vacuum decay? If the dead galaxy that was found not long ago was caused by a change in the fine structure constant then vacuum decay could be on its way?

Maybe, but it would also mean that acceleration of galaxies in distant sources tell us about the expansion in the past, so it may be that we can only trust the local acceleration of galaxies.

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Maybe, maybe not. If the universe is actually decelerating, then it will reach a new phase. But the scales will be different.

Is the universe decelerating?

So you basically saying there is a good possibility for vacuum decay now?

So we can die at any moment now?

Edited by Timboo
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These are very exact questions,.... In my personal opinion, it should not happen any time "soon."

You made statements above claiming it can happen anytime soon

 

If the fine structure changes, then it's not actually a constant. If photons lose energy with expansion, then they are subject to time delays. So what I said for vacuum decay is possible

the decay would be a quantum leap from one configuration to another. Whether it is reversible is another issue.

it would also mean that acceleration of galaxies in distant sources tell us about the expansion in the past, so it may be that we can only trust the local acceleration of galaxies.

If the universe is actually decelerating, then it will reach a new phase. But the scales will be different.

Edited by Timboo
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We can die crossing the street, the universe is cruel and kind. We just happen to be seeing the final phases, until then, supermassive black holes will have to decay first so that the universe is nothing but a radiation again. Keep in mind, the densities are different to what we observe in the past. This is a scale factor difference that I don't think Penrose has fully addressed in his Cyclic theory.

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You made statements above claiming it can happen anytime soon

 

If the fine structure changes, then it's not actually a constant. If photons lose energy with expansion, then they are subject to time delays. So what I said for vacuum decay is possible

the decay would be a quantum leap from one configuration to another. Whether it is reversible is another issue.

it would also mean that acceleration of galaxies in distant sources tell us about the expansion in the past, so it may be that we can only trust the local acceleration of galaxies.

If the universe is actually decelerating, then it will reach a new phase. But the scales will be different.

I asked if it would happen soon and you said maybe, maybe not

 

I am not making up the comments you have stated?

Edited by Timboo
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