The Fine Structure Constant on Large Scales|
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Reference: RT129
Date: 19-Apr-95
Author: Ray Tomes
Email: rtomes@kcbbs.gen.nz
The fine structure constant is perhaps the most prevalent
dimensionless constant, turning up in the ratio of many different
things at the atomic scale. There are two occurrences of the fine
structure constant in the periods of Jupiter's satellites, and the two
values are identical and very similar to the atomic values. Given
the many other similarities of forces and structures between the
atomic and solar system scales it is suggested that this is more
than coincidence. Rather, it is evidence for the underlying common
law that leads to similar processes on all scales.
Jupiter Satellite I II III
Period (days) 1.76913780 3.55118108 7.15455312
Frequency (nHz) 6542.21173 3259.21822 1617.72145
I - 2xII II - 2xIII
Beat frequency (nHz) 23.77530 23.77531
Ratio II/beat 137.0842 137.0841
The relationship among the frequencies of I, II and III has long been
known and is usually expressed as I - 3xII + 2xII = 0. However the
presence of alpha (or 1/alpha) has not been reported previously to my
knowledge. The fine structure constant from atomic phenomena on earth
is 1/137.0360. The difference is 0.033%, but the differences in the
periods of I, II and III must be only 0.00026% to get such an
agreement. It is stretching coincidence that a less than 1 in 100,000
chance should come up twice at such close quarters.
It is known that alpha varies depending on the energy intensity at
which observations are made, with 1/alpha reducing at higher energies.
Therefore it is perhaps to be expected that 1/alpha would be slightly
higher at a location which is further from the sun and from the
surface of the nearest planet.
Although Saturn also has two pairs of satellites with nearly 1 to 2
ratios in their periods, the beat frequencies of these do not yield
the fine structure constant when divided by satellite frequencies.
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