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Practical Limitations on Astrophysical Observations of Methanol to Investigate Variations in the Proton-to-Electron Mass Ratio

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 10:10 authored by Simon EllingsenSimon Ellingsen, Voronkov, M, Breen, S
The possibility of using astrophysical observations of rotational transitions in the methanol molecule to measure, or constrain temporal and spatial variations in the proton-to-electron mass ratio (u) has recently been investigated by several groups. Here we outline some of the practical considerations of making such observations, including both the instrumental and astrophysical limitations which exist at present. This leads us to conclude that such observations are unlikely to be able to improve evidence either for, or against the presence of variations in the proton-to-electron mass ratio by more than an order of magnitude beyond current limits.

History

Publication title

Physical Review Letters

Volume

107

Issue

27

Article number

270801

Number

270801

Pagination

1-5

ISSN

0031-9007

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

American Physical Society

Place of publication

United States

Rights statement

Copyright 2011 American Physical Society

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the physical sciences

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