Fine-tunings in nuclear physics

Ulf-G. Meissner, University of Bonn, FZ Juelich

Thu, Feb 26, 2026, 14:00

Auditorium/Remote

Abstract

Element generation in the Big Bang and in stars is a fine laboratory to test possible variations of the fundamental constants of the Standard Model. In this talk, I review the constraints from primordial nucleosynthsesis on the electromagnetic fine-structure constant aEM, the light quark masses mu, md, ms and the CP-violating ?-parameter, with an emphasis on a thorough analysis of the systematic errors for the physical values of these parameters. Second, I discuss fine-tunings in the basic reactions generating the life-enabling elements carbon and oxygen via the triple-alpha process and the radiative alpha-capture on carbon, the so-called holy grail of nuclear astrophysics. Finally, I also make contact to the anthropic principle.

Remote Connection: https://ubc.zoom.us/j/68099892709pwd=RXafbpqP79cfh4atRzauRlUIVDQYhH.1

Meeting ID: 680 9989 2709 Passcode: 146064