Probing secular changes in the gravitational constant with white dwarf spectra

Abstract Exploring variations in fundamental physics constants across cosmological space-time is of substantial importance in both theoretical and experimental physics. A crucial means of investigating such variations involves comparing laboratory measurements with astrophysical observations. In the present study, we employ a combination of laboratory data and observed Lyman transitions of H₂ H 2 identified in the white dwarf star GD133. Through this examination, we find the temporal variation of the gravitational constant, {Ġ}/G = (0. 016 0. 098) 10^-15~ year^-1 G ˙ / G = (0. 016 ± 0. 098) × 10 - 15 year - 1 with a gravitational potential 10⁴, ϕ ≈ 10 4, and an average total redshift of H₂, H 2, z₀₁ₒ =0. 0001820 (10). z abs = 0. 0001820 (10). This newly determined constraint on the time variation of G serves as an important tool for advancing discussions within unified theories.