Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2007-08-27
Phys.Rev.Lett.99:239001,2007
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
1+2 pages, 1 EPS figure. Page 1 accepted as PRL Comment on arXiv:astro-ph/0402177 . Further details available in arXiv:astro-p
Scientific paper
10.1103/PhysRevLett.99.239001
In their Letter [Phys. Rev. Lett. 92, 121302 (2004)] (also [Astron. Astrophys. 417, 853 (2004)]), Srianand et al. analysed optical spectra of heavy-element species in 23 absorption systems along background quasar sight-lines, reporting limits on relative variations in the fine-structure constant: da/a=(-0.06+/-0.06) x 10^{-5}. Here we demonstrate basic flaws in their analysis, using the same data and absorption profile fits, which led to spurious values of da/a and significantly underestimated uncertainties. We conclude that these data and fits offer no stringent test of previous evidence for a varying alpha. In their Reply (arXiv:0711.1742) to this Comment, Srianand et al. state or argue several points regarding their original analysis and our new analysis. We discuss these points here, dismissing all of them because they are demonstrably incorrect or because they rely on a flawed application of simple statistical arguments.
Flambaum Victor V.
Murphy Michael T.
Webb John K.
No associations
LandOfFree
Comment on "Limits on the Time Variation of the Electromagnetic Fine-Structure Constant in the Low Energy Limit from Absorption Lines in the Spectra of Distant Quasars" 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 Comment on "Limits on the Time Variation of the Electromagnetic Fine-Structure Constant in the Low Energy Limit from Absorption Lines in the Spectra of Distant Quasars", we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Comment on "Limits on the Time Variation of the Electromagnetic Fine-Structure Constant in the Low Energy Limit from Absorption Lines in the Spectra of Distant Quasars" will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-362454