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Limits on the Dependence of the Fine-Structure Constant on Gravitational Potential from White-Dwarf Spectra

Barstow, M. A.; Holberg, J. B.; Webb, J. K. +5 more

We propose a new probe of the dependence of the fine-structure constant α on a strong gravitational field using metal lines in the spectra of white-dwarf stars. Comparison of laboratory spectra with far-UV astronomical spectra from the white-dwarf star G191-B2B recorded by the Hubble Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph gives limits of Δα/α=(4.2±1…