Evidence for spatial variantion of the fine structure constant

[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?
Regards

 

[Vagn]

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?
Regards

The findings are still a bit controversial I think, as far as I know they haven't been confirmed independantly.

 

[exponent137]

There was one measurements, which shows that alpha is constant. But, afterward Webb showed that that their measurements are wrong. Anyway, let as assume that Webb's measurements are correct. Is it possible that this is consequence of this, that, for instance, our group of galaxies travel direction of "dipole"?

 

[Chronos]

I don't see how that would affect the alpha constant.

 

[exponent137]

I also do not see, how precisely. But there is many possibilities for disturbing such precise measurements.

It is not a sin to see what this direction means in universe. Maybe nothing, maybe something.