Uploaded February 2022 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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Full podcast episodes: askaspaceman.com
Support: patreon.com/pmsutter
Follow: twitter.com/PaulMattSutter and facebook.com/PaulMattSutter

What is the fine structure constant? Where does it come from? Why is it so important? I discuss these questions and more in today’s Ask a Spaceman!

Follow all the show updates at http://www.askaspaceman.com, and help support the show at patreon.com/pmsutter!

Keep those questions about space, science, astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology coming to #AskASpaceman for COMPLETE KNOWLEDGE OF TIME AND SPACE! Music by Jason Grady and Nick Bain.

00:00 Discovery of the Fine Structure Constant
04:50 The Electromagnetic Coupling
08:49 The Constant That Isn't
12:35 Origins of the Constant