Three privileged directions in the universe

exponent137

Webb et al wrote article "Evidence for spatial variantion of the fine structure constant".
http://arxiv.org/abs/1008.3907.
As I understand, there exists direction where fine structure constant is the smallest and the opposite direction, where it is the largest.

Do maybe these directions have and meaning, maybe direction of our group of galaxies?
Our group of galaxies is flying toward Virgo with 700 km/s. How it is direction in the article declined from this direction?
Maybe one direction of asymmetry of background radiation also exist? What is this direction?
How it is declined from the direction in the article?
Regards

exponent137

From the article is evident that
ascension 17,3 +- 0,6 hours,
declination -61 +- 9 degrees
It also visible that this direction is galactic equator (but not in the center of our galaxy).

This is not in direction of Virgo, where declination is close to 0. I do not know for ascension?

But, does exist any such direction for cosmic background radiation?

Chronos

Woo woo is the first thing that comes to mind.

Chronos

There is a dipole in the CMB, that only suggests a preferred direction for motion of the solar system relative to the CMB.

exponent137

One possibility is that this "fine structure constant measurement" dipole is oriented toward center of our galaxy, where big black hole is oriented. Can curved space have any influence on this measurement?
http://seds.org/messier/more/mw.html
declination -61°(dipole)->-28°(galactic center).

exponent137

How it is now with the status of Webb measurements of changed natural constants. Are they disproved with other measurements?

Chronos

Can we be realistic here, as in making a point?

exponent137

You can be realistic as much as possible. I believe that this will end similarly as superluminal neutrinos. But I do not know how it is with counter experiments on this topic of Webb?

TheTechNoir

I think by level of order he is referring to entropy. As for mass coupling, I think what he is asking is why does dark matter have a tendancy to collect in greater quantites where there are galaxies or other abudances of matter focused... If that is the case, then your answer is you're thinking about it in reverse. It isn't the dark matter that collects where there is a presence of matter, it is dark matter being clumped in some locations that attracts ordinary matter to those areas as far as I know.

Lino

All, I'm not sure of the meaning of some of the language used in this thread, but could I ask, what maybe a simple question: are there alternative views of the data / observations made by Webb et al? I can find material discussing and supporting Webb's position, but I can't find any pointing to (potential) errors or alternative interpretations.

Also, Webb's evidence seems to be (largely) based on spectral absorbation line and differences to these in different directions in the (distant) sky. Therefore could I also ask (as I have not been able to source any material discussing this): how is it known / inferred that the differences come from different values of the fine structure constant, rather than absorbations related to different elements?

Regards,

Noel.