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Improved upper limit on the photon rest massIt is shown that application of standard MHD arguments to hydromagnetic waves observed in the Crab Nebula dramatically improves the upper bound on photon rest mass. The standard argument that massive photons are governed by the Phoca field equations is outlined and applied to wisp features (identified as hydromagnetic waves) observed in the Crab. The results imply an upper limit for the photon rest mass of between 3 by 10 to the -54th power and 3 by 10 to the -53rd power gram, which is smaller than the best previous limits by a factor of 10,000 to 100,000. It is noted that although the present limit is probably valid in order of magnitude, some doubt remains since there are inconsistencies in the standard arguments.
Document ID
19760027587
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Barnes, A.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Scargle, J. D.
(NASA Ames Research Center Theoretical Studies Branch, Moffett Field, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
October 27, 1975
Publication Information
Publication: Physical Review Letters
Volume: 35
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
76A10553
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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