Varying Alpha in a More Realistic Universe

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Abstract
We study the space-time evolution of the fine structure constant inside evolving spherical overdensities in a background lambda-CDM Friedmann universe using the spherical infall model. We show that its value inside virialised regions will be significantly larger than in the low-density background universe. The consideration of the inhomogeneous evolution of the universe is therefore essential for a correct comparison of extragalactic and solar system limits on, and observations of, possible time variation of the fine structure constant and other constants. Time variation of the fine structure 'constant' in the cosmological background can generally lead to no locally observable variations inside virialised overdensities like the one in which we live.

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