Fred C Adams JCAP08(2008)010 doi:10.1088/1475-7516/2008/08/010
Fred C Adams
Show affiliationsMotivated by the possible existence of other universes, with possible variations in the laws of physics, this paper explores the parameter space of fundamental constants that allows for the existence of stars. To make this problem tractable, we develop a semi-analytical stellar structure model that allows for physical understanding of these stars with unconventional parameters, as well as a means to survey the relevant parameter space. In this work, the most important quantities that determine stellar properties—and are allowed to vary—are the gravitational constant G, the fine structure constant α and a composite parameter
that determines nuclear reaction rates. Working within this model, we delineate the portion of parameter space that allows for the existence of stars. Our main finding is that a sizable fraction of the parameter space (roughly one-fourth) provides the values necessary for stellar objects to operate through sustained nuclear fusion. As a result, the set of parameters necessary to support stars are not particularly rare. In addition, we briefly consider the possibility that unconventional stars (e.g. black holes, dark matter stars) play the role filled by stars in our universe and constrain the allowed parameter space.
97.10.Cv Stellar structure, interiors, evolution, nucleosynthesis, ages
95.30.Cq Elementary particle processes
95.35.+d Dark matter (stellar, interstellar, galactic, and cosmological)
Issue 08 (August 2008)
Received 5 June 2008, accepted for publication 14 July 2008
Published 7 August 2008
Fred C Adams JCAP08(2008)010
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