Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2008-06-18
Science 320:1611-1613,2008
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Science, 20th June 2008. 22 pages, 5 figures (12 EPS files), 2 tables, including Supporting Online Material; v2: Corrected ref
Scientific paper
10.1126/science.1156352
The Standard Model of particle physics assumes that the so-called fundamental constants are universal and unchanging. Absorption lines arising in molecular clouds along quasar sightlines offer a precise test for variations in the proton-to-electron mass ratio, mu, over cosmological time and distance scales. The inversion transitions of ammonia are particularly sensitive to mu compared to molecular rotational transitions. Comparing the available ammonia spectra observed towards the quasar B0218+357 with new, high-quality rotational spectra, we present the first detailed measurement of mu with this technique, limiting relative deviations from the laboratory value to |dmu/mu| < 1.8x10^{-6} (95% confidence level) at approximately half the Universe's current age - the strongest astrophysical constraint to date. Higher-quality ammonia observations will reduce both the statistical and systematic uncertainties in these measurements.
Flambaum Victor V.
Henkel Christian
Muller Sebastien
Murphy Michael T.
No associations
LandOfFree
Strong Limit on a Variable Proton-to-Electron Mass Ratio from Molecules in the Distant Universe 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 Strong Limit on a Variable Proton-to-Electron Mass Ratio from Molecules in the Distant Universe, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Strong Limit on a Variable Proton-to-Electron Mass Ratio from Molecules in the Distant Universe will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-561932