Prof. Paolo Molaro: Are fundamental constants really varying in the space-time?

Prof. Paolo Molaro, Trieste Astronomical Observatory

Are fundamental constants really varying in the space-time?

Astronomical observations can effectively probe in space-time the
variability of the physical
dimensionless constants such as the fine structure constant and
proton-to-electron mass ratio
which are related to fundamental forces of nature.
Current astronomical observations and constraints on the possible
variability of the fine
structure and of the electron-to-mass ratio will be reviewed. Emphasis will
be given on the
different methodologies followed by the different groups trying to
understand the
controversial results obtained.
The proposal for the ESPRESSO (Echelle Spectrograph for Precision Super
Stable Observations)
spectrograph at the combined incoherent focus of the 4 ESO-VLT units (a
potential 16 m
equivalent telescope) will be briefly described together with its follow
up for the European ELT
CODEX (COsmic Dynamics EXperiment). These instruments, if realized, will
make possible a
significant improvement, in the range of one and two orders of magnitude
respectively, thus
solving the present controversy and opening a new field of research in
case positive results
are provided.