Yes, if we were able to consistently measure different values of α over space and&#x2F;or time it would be significant and help to strengthen the anthropic principle as it could be applied here.<p>There are a couple challenges to these measurements, though. Sean Carrol presents a theoretical challenge in his blog post &quot;The Fine Structure Constant is Probably Constant&quot;[1]. Chad Orzel has a more observational critique of the results in &quot;Why I’m Skeptical About the Changing Fine-Structure Constant&quot; [2].<p>To be fair, these critiques are from 2010 and Webb, et al. has published several papers since these critiques were made. I haven&#x27;t seen updated debate or discussion over Webb, et al&#x27;s findings. Still, I would think we have some potential evidence that the constant <i>may</i> vary, but I don&#x27;t think this evidence is near conclusive yet.<p>[1] <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.preposterousuniverse.com&#x2F;blog&#x2F;2010&#x2F;10&#x2F;18&#x2F;the-fine-structure-constant-is-probably-constant&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.preposterousuniverse.com&#x2F;blog&#x2F;2010&#x2F;10&#x2F;18&#x2F;the-fine...</a><p>[2] <a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;scienceblogs.com&#x2F;principles&#x2F;2010&#x2F;09&#x2F;14&#x2F;httpksjtrackermitedu20100907e&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;scienceblogs.com&#x2F;principles&#x2F;2010&#x2F;09&#x2F;14&#x2F;httpksjtracker...</a>