Paolo Molaro

Trieste Astronomical Observatory

torek, 26. 2. 2008, ob 14h v F6

Astronomical observations can effectively probe in space-time the variability of the physical dimensionless constants such as the fine structure constant and proton-to-electron mass ratio which are related to fundamental forces of nature. Current astronomical observations and constraints on the possible variability of the fine structure and of the electron-to-mass ratio will be reviewed. Emphasis will be given on the different methodologies followed by the different groups trying to understand the controversial results obtained. The proposal for the ESPRESSO (Echelle Spectrograph for Precision Super Stable Observations) spectrograph at the combined incoherent focus of the 4 ESO-VLT units (a potential 16 m equivalent telescope) will be briefly described together with its follow up for the European ELT CODEX (COsmic Dynamics EXperiment). These instruments, if realized, will make possible a significant improvement, in the range of one and two orders of magnitude respectively, thus solving the present controversy and opening a new field of research in case positive results are provided.