A Is it possible for variable speed of light in a vacuum?

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The discussion centers on the possibility of a variable speed of light in a vacuum, linked to the expanding universe and changes in vacuum characteristics. A paper proposing this idea is criticized for lacking credibility, as the author is not a physicist and the source is deemed questionable. A review of research indicates that no variation in the fine structure constant, which relates to the speed of light, has been observed over time. Additionally, it is clarified that the density of dark energy remains constant despite the universe's expansion. The thread concludes with a consensus against the validity of the proposed paper.
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Here is a paper which proposed the possbility and provided some evidence.
<unacceptable reference deleted>

As our universe is expanding, that is, our vacuum is becoming more and more sparse, I believe it is possible that some key characterics of our vacuum is also variable.
 
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kissfire said:
Here is a paper which proposed the possbility and provided some evidence.
This paper looks highly questionable to me. The author is not a physicist and does not appear to understand the physics being used.

A good review by physicists of research into the possibility of variation in the fine structure constant (which is what "variable speed of light in a vacuum" actually means physically; the fine structure constant is the relevant invariant quantity) is here:

https://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/9803165

The bottom line is that no variation over time of the fine structure constant has been found, from today back as far into the early universe as we have evidence.

kissfire said:
As our universe is expanding, that is, our vacuum is becoming more and more sparse
No, it isn't. The density of dark energy is constant; it does not decrease as the universe expands.
 
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kissfire said:
Summary: Here is a paper which proposed the possbility and provided some evidence.

<unacceptable reference deleted>
This paper is not an acceptable source. It is not even listed in either the Clarivate MJL or the Eigenfactor databases. It does not have an impact factor but advertises a high impact factor based on a Google search impact factor. It claims to be peer reviewed but promises publication in 2 to 3 days. It has all of the hallmarks of a predatory publisher and we do not support such unethical practices.

This thread is closed.
 
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Moderator's note: Spin-off from another thread due to topic change. In the second link referenced, there is a claim about a physical interpretation of frame field. Consider a family of observers whose worldlines fill a region of spacetime. Each of them carries a clock and a set of mutually orthogonal rulers. Each observer points in the (timelike) direction defined by its worldline's tangent at any given event along it. What about the rulers each of them carries ? My interpretation: each...

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