Fine Structure Constant

[Timboo]

Can a change in the fine-structure constant could lead to vacuum decay?

[Timboo]

Anyone?

[Dubbelosix]

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.

[Timboo]

So it is possible then in our lifetime this can cause vacuum decay?

Edited February 18, 2020 by Timboo

[Timboo]

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 February 18, 2020 by Timboo

[Dubbelosix]

So it is possible then in our lifetime this can cause vacuum decay?

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

[Dubbelosix]

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.

[Timboo]

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.

I am not sure what you mean

[Timboo]

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

So you also believe vacuum decay will happen soon

[Dubbelosix]

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

[Timboo]

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 February 18, 2020 by Timboo

[Dubbelosix]

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

[Timboo]

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 February 18, 2020 by Timboo

[Dubbelosix]

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.

[Dubbelosix]

I don't recall saying it was going to happen "soon..."

[Timboo]

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 February 18, 2020 by Timboo

[Dubbelosix]

Well, soon is a relative thing. Be more assured we will die from our star around the same time as Andromeda comes crashing into our own galaxy.