A comparison between hydrodynamics (NSE) and gauge theory vector potential gauge flow (e.g. Hopf solution of NSE), yields alpha as the Reynolds number: eddies as Feynman loops etc. It explains the QED grading by alpha and lifetimes of particles (graded by powers of alpha) as a dissipation process.The theory of alpha can be formulated via the Schrodinger operator spectrum for Hydrogen atom and Boltzmann partition function, when related to Hopf fibration (Kepler problem on S3, magnetic topological monopole in the gauge theory formulation as an exact solution of NSE) for one loop (electronic orbital).The computation of the fine structure constant uses finite symmetry groups corroborated with H. Jehle's loopforms model of electron (Hopf fibration with connection and vector potential flow).The article brings together research material towards achieving such a goal. A program emerges: Physics Laws as Period Laws, and alpha an element of Pi-groups of periods.