The Large Numbers hypothesis and the Einstein theory of gravitation

Abstract

A study of the relations between large dimensionless numbers leads one to believe that G , expressed in atomic units, varies with the epoch. The Einstein theory requires G to be constant. One can reconcile these two requirements by supposing that the Einstein theory applies with a metric that differs from the atomic metric. The theory can be developed with conservation of mass by supposing that the continual increase in the mass of the observable universe arises from a continual slowing down of the velocity of recession of the galaxies. One is led to a model of the Universe that was first proposed jointly by Einstein & de Sitter (the E.S. model). The observations of the microwave radiation fit in with this model. The static Schwarzchild metric has to be modified to fit in with the E.S. model for large r . The modification is worked out, and also the motion of planets with the new metric. It is found that there is a difference between ephemeris time and atomic time, and also that there should be an inward spiralling of the planets, referred to atomic units, superposed on the motion given by ordinary gravitational theory. These are effects that can be checked by observation, but there is no conclusive evidence up to the present.