What does this research mean for the field?

The proton-to-electron mass ratio (μ) is tightly constrained with a variation of Δμ/μ = (0.02 ± 0.09) in the strong gravitational field of the white dwarf GD 133. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.CONFIRMATORY. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To investigate potential variations in the proton-to-electron mass ratio using high-resolution spectral data.

March 13, 2026Open Access

Probing proton–electron mass ratio variations using high-precision H₂ Lyman lines

Puntos clave

To investigate potential variations in the proton-to-electron mass ratio using high-resolution spectral data.
Conducted high-resolution observations of H2 Lyman lines in the white dwarf GD 133.
Utilized the Hubble Space Telescope Cosmic Origins Spectrograph for data acquisition.
Employed self-consistent spectral analysis to extract measurements.
Determined the variation in the proton-electron mass ratio as Δμ/μ = (0.02 ± 0.09).
Established a strong gravitational potential approximately 10^4 times that of Earth.
Generated tight constraints on models predicting interactions between fundamental constants and gravity.

Resumen

Abstract We probe potential variations of the proton-to-electron mass ratio (μ) using high-resolution H ₂ 2 Lyman transitions in the white dwarf GD 133, observed with the Hubble Space Telescope Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (HST/COS). White dwarf atmospheres provide a powerful laboratory for testing fundamental physics in strong gravitational fields. Applying a self-consistent spectral analysis, we obtain a tight constraint of / = (0. 02 0. 09) Δ μ / μ = (0. 02 ± 0. 09) in a gravitational potential approximately 10^4 10 4 times stronger than that of Earth. The measured uncertainty implies that any variation of μ is tightly bounded in this strong-field fields, placing meaningful limits on models predicting couplings between fundamental constants and gravity.

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