Abstract
In order to explore the ability of helioseismology and features of solar models to test the constancy of the gravitational constant G during the last 4.5 Gyr of solar evolution, we have constructed a grid of evolutionary sequences for solar models under the assumptions that G varies with time, and have explored the sensitivity of their nonradial acoustic mode oscillation spectra to G variability. All final models satisfy the standard constraints for the present Sun and, except for the variation in G, were constructed under the assumptions of a standard solar model. When compared with the observed solar p-mode spectrum, our models definitely rule out β > 0.4 and β < -0.4, where G(t) ∝ t-β over the last 4.5 Gyr. These limits can be tightened to rule out |β| > O(0.1) by the use of other solar observables. For nonmonotonic variation in G this suggests that longtimescale variations greater than O(5%) in G are ruled out over the last 4.5 Gyr. Future prospects for improving the sensitivity of helioseismic tests of a varying G are also discussed. Finally, we explore the sensitivity of the predicted solar neutrino flux to varying G.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 870-878 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
| Volume | 437 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| State | Published - Dec 20 1994 |
| Externally published | Yes |
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Keywords
- Gravitation
- Sun: fundamental parameters
- Sun: interior
- Sun: oscillations
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Space and Planetary Science
Cite this
The sun as a probe of varying G. / Demarque, P.; Krauss, Lawrence; Guenther, D. B.; Nydam, David.
In: Astrophysical Journal, Vol. 437, No. 2, 20.12.1994, p. 870-878.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - The sun as a probe of varying G
AU - Demarque, P.
AU - Krauss, Lawrence
AU - Guenther, D. B.
AU - Nydam, David
PY - 1994/12/20
Y1 - 1994/12/20
N2 - In order to explore the ability of helioseismology and features of solar models to test the constancy of the gravitational constant G during the last 4.5 Gyr of solar evolution, we have constructed a grid of evolutionary sequences for solar models under the assumptions that G varies with time, and have explored the sensitivity of their nonradial acoustic mode oscillation spectra to G variability. All final models satisfy the standard constraints for the present Sun and, except for the variation in G, were constructed under the assumptions of a standard solar model. When compared with the observed solar p-mode spectrum, our models definitely rule out β > 0.4 and β < -0.4, where G(t) ∝ t-β over the last 4.5 Gyr. These limits can be tightened to rule out |β| > O(0.1) by the use of other solar observables. For nonmonotonic variation in G this suggests that longtimescale variations greater than O(5%) in G are ruled out over the last 4.5 Gyr. Future prospects for improving the sensitivity of helioseismic tests of a varying G are also discussed. Finally, we explore the sensitivity of the predicted solar neutrino flux to varying G.
AB - In order to explore the ability of helioseismology and features of solar models to test the constancy of the gravitational constant G during the last 4.5 Gyr of solar evolution, we have constructed a grid of evolutionary sequences for solar models under the assumptions that G varies with time, and have explored the sensitivity of their nonradial acoustic mode oscillation spectra to G variability. All final models satisfy the standard constraints for the present Sun and, except for the variation in G, were constructed under the assumptions of a standard solar model. When compared with the observed solar p-mode spectrum, our models definitely rule out β > 0.4 and β < -0.4, where G(t) ∝ t-β over the last 4.5 Gyr. These limits can be tightened to rule out |β| > O(0.1) by the use of other solar observables. For nonmonotonic variation in G this suggests that longtimescale variations greater than O(5%) in G are ruled out over the last 4.5 Gyr. Future prospects for improving the sensitivity of helioseismic tests of a varying G are also discussed. Finally, we explore the sensitivity of the predicted solar neutrino flux to varying G.
KW - Gravitation
KW - Sun: fundamental parameters
KW - Sun: interior
KW - Sun: oscillations
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M3 - Article
VL - 437
SP - 870
EP - 878
JO - Astrophysical Journal
JF - Astrophysical Journal
SN - 0004-637X
IS - 2
ER -