Yes, if we were able to consistently measure different values of α over space and/or time it would be significant and help to strengthen the anthropic principle

Yes, if we were able to consistently measure different values of α over space and/or time it would be significant and help to strengthen the anthropic principle as it could be applied here. There are a couple challenges to these measurements, though. Sean Carrol presents a theoretical challenge in his blog post "The Fine Structure Constant is Probably Constant"[1]. Chad Orzel has a more observational critique of the results in "Why I’m Skeptical About the Changing Fine-Structure Constant" [2]. To be fair, these critiques are from 2010 and Webb, et al. has published several papers since these critiques were made. I haven't seen updated debate or discussion over Webb, et al's findings. Still, I would think we have some potential evidence that the constant may vary, but I don't think this evidence is near conclusive yet. [1] http://www.preposterousuniverse.com/blog/2010/10/18/the-fine-structure-constant-is-probably-constant/ http://www.preposterousuniverse.com/blog/2010/10/18/the-fine... [2] http://scienceblogs.com/principles/2010/09/14/httpksjtrackermitedu20100907e/ http://scienceblogs.com/principles/2010/09/14/httpksjtracker...