Scientists at the University of New South Wales in Australia have discovered a deviation one of the fundamental physical constant called the fine structure constant. It characterizes the strength of electromagnetic interaction and determines the formation of the fine structure of the atom. The results of studies that indicate the existence of the Universe the axis of the violations of the laws of physics, published in the journal Science Advances.
The astronomers analyzed the radiation emitted by a quasar located at a distance of 13 billion light-years from Earth. The obtained data were used for the four measurements of the fine structure constant — the dimensionless quantities formed by a combination of parameters such as the speed of light, Planck constant and electron charge. It describes the splitting of spectral lines (energy levels) of an atom, which occurs by the spin-orbit interaction and relativistic effects imposed on the electron motion.
Although individually the dimensions are not confirmed violations of the constants, but in combination with the data obtained by the observation of other quasars, they showed that the differences in the fine structure constant do exist. This confirms the idea that the universe really is isotropic, that is, it actually exists in the selected direction in which to change the laws of physics.
According to scientists, in one direction, the electromagnetic force increases, the opposite decreases, while all the rest remains unchanged. In other words, the universe has the equivalent of North and South. However, the researchers admit it is unlikely the error in the measurements.
The results help to explain why the universe has the characteristics that contribute to the emergence of life. If the selected direction is finally confirmed, the concepts underlying modern physics will require revision.
