Testing Fundamental Constants Through Stellar Twins - Dark Matter and Electromagnetism Connection

Explore a physics lecture examining the potential relationship between dark matter and electromagnetism through stellar twin analysis. Delve into the Standard Model's limitations in explaining fundamental constants like alpha (electromagnetic strength) and learn about new experimental approaches to test their universality. Discover how spectroscopy of stellar twins, particularly solar twins and red clump stars, provides unprecedented precision in measuring alpha variations within our Galaxy. Understand the significance of red clump stars' luminosity in enabling measurements near the Galactic Centre, where dark matter concentrates. Learn about an ongoing research program using the Keck and Very Large Telescopes to map alpha variations across the Milky Way's dark matter density field, potentially revealing physics beyond the Standard Model. Gain insights into cutting-edge astronomical constraints on fundamental constant variability and their implications for our understanding of the universe's basic laws.