Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
Apr 1979
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1979natur.278..605c&link_type=abstract
Nature, vol. 278, Apr. 12, 1979, p. 605-612. Research supported by the Lindemann Trust and NSF.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
91
Astrophysics, Constants, Cosmology, Fine Structure, Theoretical Physics, Universe, Asteroids, Black Holes (Astronomy), Dimensionless Numbers, Galaxies, Neutron Stars, Plancks Constant, Planets, Scaling Laws, White Dwarf Stars
Scientific paper
The use of the anthropic principle to explain the values of physical constants is discussed. It is shown that the mass and length scales of objects from the universe down to the atom, are determined by the electromagnetic fine structure constant, the gravitational fine structure constant and the electron to proton mass ratio. The anthropic explanation has been found to be unsatisfactory, however, in explaining physical phenomena, due to the fact that it is unable to predict features of the universe, the narrowness of its assumptions for the existence of life, and the fact that it does not determine exact values of physical constants. The concept does, however, serve to explain many remarkable coincidences in nature, such as the relation of the electron to proton mass ratio to the electromagnetic fine structure constant, which have not yet been explained in any other manner.
Carr Bernard J.
Rees Martin J.
No associations
LandOfFree
The anthropic principle and the structure of the physical world does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with The anthropic principle and the structure of the physical world, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The anthropic principle and the structure of the physical world will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1436546