Possible relation between galactic flat rotational curves and the Pioneers’ anomalous acceleration

We consider a generic minimal modification of the Newtonian potential, that is a modification that introduces only one additional dimensional parameter. The modified potential depends on a function whose behavior for large and small distances can be fixed in order to obtain: (i) galactic flat rotational curves and (ii) a universal constant acceleration independent of the masses of the interacting bodies (Pioneer anomaly). Then using a dimensional argument we show that the Tully–Fisher relation for the maximal rotational velocity of spiral galaxies follows without any further assumptions. This result suggests that the Pioneer anomalous acceleration and the flat rotational curves of galaxies could have a common origin in a modified gravitational theory. The relation of these results with the Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) is discussed.     

Newtonian analogue of force and motion of a free particle in the gravitational field of Kerr-de Sitter space-time

In the first part of the paper the Newtonian analogue of force for the Kerr-de Sitter metric has been investigated. To the first-order of approximation, a component of the force vector corresponds to the Newtonian gravitational force and a cosmic force arising due to the cosmological constant A. Int the higher order of approximation, the relativistic correction terms due to rotation and the presence of A are obtained. In the second part of the paper the motion of a freely-falling body has been investigated. It is found that plane orbits are not possible. Also a radial fall is not possible and there is a rotational drag on the particle which has no Newtonian analogue.     

Is an 11 eV sterile neutrino consistent with clusters, the cosmic microwave background and modified Newtonian dynamics?

In this paper, we show that if a single sterile neutrino exists such that     , it can serendipitously solve all outstanding issues of the Modified Newtonian Dynamics. We focus on fitting the angular power spectrum of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) in detail which is possible using a flat Universe with     and the usual baryonic and dark energy components. One cannot match the CMB if there is more than one massive sterile neutrino, nor with three active neutrinos of 2 eV. This model has the same expansion history as the Λ cold dark matter  (ΛCDM)  model and only differs at the galactic scale, where the modified dynamics outperform  ΛCDM  comprehensively. We discuss how an 11 eV sterile neutrino can explain the dark matter of galaxy clusters without influencing individual galaxies and potentially match the matter power spectrum.     

Milgromian dynamics and dwarf galaxies in galactic voids

We use kinematic data of 103 dwarf galaxies, obtained from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey catalog, to test the Milgromian dynamics (MOND) inside a galactic void. From this data, we compute the line-of-sight velocity dispersions of the dwarf galaxies in the frameworks of MOND and Newtonian dynamics without invoking any dark matter. The prediction for the line-of-sight velocity dispersions from MOND of 53 selected dwarf galaxies is compared with their measured values. For appropriate mass-to-light ratios in the range 1 to 5 for each individual dwarf galaxy, our results for the line-of-sight velocity dispersions predicted by MOND are more compatible with observations than those predicted by Newtonian dynamics.     

Galaxies under the cosmic microscope: resolved spectroscopy and new constraints on the z= 1 Tully–Fisher relation

We exploit the gravitational potential of massive cluster lenses to probe the emission-line properties of six   z = 1  galaxies which appear as highly magnified luminous arcs. Using the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS) integral field spectrograph together with detailed cluster lens models, we reconstruct the intrinsic morphologies and two-dimensional velocity fields in these galaxies on scales corresponds to ∼0.5 kpc (unlensed) at   z = 1  . Four of the galaxies have stable disc-like kinematics, whilst the other two resemble interacting or starburst galaxies. These galaxies lie close to the mean rest-frame I -band Tully–Fisher relation for nearby spirals suggesting a clear preference for hierarchical growth of structure. In the rest-frame B band, the observations suggest  0.5 ± 0.3 mag  of brightening, consistent with increased star-formation activity at   z = 1  . However, the galaxies with stable disc kinematics have more slowly rising rotation curves than expected from galaxies with similar surface brightness in the local Universe. We suggest that this may arise because the distant galaxies have lower bulge masses than their local counterparts. Whilst this study is based on only six galaxies, the gain in flux and in spatial resolution achieved via gravitational magnification provides a much more detailed view of the high-redshift Universe than that possible with conventional surveys.     

Rotation velocity and neutral hydrogen distribution dependency on magnetic field strength in spiral galaxies

The rotation velocity of a simulated plasma galaxy is compared to the rotation curves of Sc type spiral galaxies. Both show flat rotation curves with velocities of the order of several hundred kilometers per second, modified by E × B instabilities. Maps of the strength and distribution of galactic magnetic fields and neutral hydrogen regions, as-well-as as predictions by particle-in-cell simulations run in the late 1970s, are compared to Effelsberg observations.Agreement between simulation and observation is best when the simulation galaxy masses are identical to the observational masses of spiral galaxies. No dark matter is needed.     

Thermodynamics and two-fluid cosmological models

Exact solutions of Einstein's field equations and the laws of thermodynamics are presented in which both a comoving radiative perfect fluid (modelling the cosmic microwave background) and a non-comoving imperfect fluid (modelling the observed material content of the Universe) act as the source of the gravitational field as represented by the flat FRW line element. The tilting velocity of the imperfect fluid is associated with the peculiar velocity of our local cluster of galaxies relative to the cosmic microwave background. In these relativistic two-fluid cosmological models the temperatures of the radiation and matter fields are equal until hydrogen recombines at 4000 K, after which time thermal contact between the two fluids is broken. The models presented are physically acceptable cosmologies that are shown to give rise to numerical predictions consistent with current observations.     

Cosmic energy equation and clustering of non-point mass system of galaxies

Cosmic energy equation is an important equation for studying the gravitational galaxy clustering in the expanding universe. We derive the distribution function for fluctuations in particle number by using the cosmic energy equation for extended structures (galaxies with halos). From spatial distribution function, containing particle fluctuations, we derive the velocity distribution function to understand the influence of particle fluctuations on the velocities of galaxies.With the help of cosmic energy equation we try to find out the physical constraints for the application of quasi-equilibrium approximation.     

Search for gravitational lenses near the extragalactic double object CSL-1

We consider additional arguments in favor of the first observable cosmic string. We discuss candidates for gravitational lensing events near the extragalactic double source CSL-1 (Capodimonte-Sternberg-Lens Candidate no. 1) discovered in the Osservatorio Astronomico di Capodimonte Deep Field (OACDF). The detected excess of candidates for such events cannot be explained in terms of the theory of gravitational lensing by standard extragalactic objects (galaxies, groups of galaxies, etc.) and is in close agreement with the proposed model of gravitational lensing by a cosmic string.     

Galaxy cluster masses without non-baryonic dark matter

We apply the modified acceleration law obtained from Einstein gravity coupled to a massive skew symmetric field,   F _μνλ  , to the problem of explaining X-ray galaxy cluster masses without exotic dark matter. Utilizing X-ray observations to fit the gas mass profile and temperature profile of the hot intracluster medium (ICM) with King 'β-models', we show that the dynamical masses of the galaxy clusters resulting from our modified acceleration law fit the cluster gas masses for our sample of 106 clusters without the need of introducing a non-baryonic dark matter component. We are further able to show for our sample of 106 clusters that the distribution of gas in the ICM as a function of radial distance is well fitted by the dynamical mass distribution arising from our modified acceleration law without any additional dark matter component. In a previous work, we applied this theory to galaxy rotation curves and demonstrated good fits to our sample of 101 low surface brightness, high surface brightness and dwarf galaxies including 58 galaxies that were fitted photometrically with the single-parameter mass-to-light ratio ( M / L )_stars. The results obtained there were qualitatively similar to those obtained using Milgrom's phenomenological Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) model, although the determined galaxy masses were quantitatively different, and MOND does not show a return to Keplerian behaviour at extragalactic distances. The results obtained here are compared to those obtained using Milgrom's phenomenological MOND model which does not fit the X-ray galaxy cluster masses unless an auxiliary dark matter component is included.     

A theory of galactic mass and rotation curves

The goal of this paper is to account for the complete observed rotation curves of disk galaxies without dark matter. To attain that goal, use is made of a conservation law from stability theory of linear waves, leading to a vector-based theory of gravitation. In the theory, galactic centers are sites of strong gravitational fields. The new theory predicts extra matter at the center of disk galaxies, which is well-known to be consistent with intergalactic dynamics. For given disk radiusr ₀ and edge tangential speedv, the greater the deviation of a rotation curve from linear (solid disk rotation), the greater the mass of the galaxy as a multiple of Newtonian massr ₀v²/G, up to a factor of about 1000. In an approximate calculation it turns out that disk density (r) (in kg m^–2) is proportional to 1/r for typical rotation curves. Rotation is characterized by two constants which in turn are determined by the edge speed and mass distribution. Not just any curve shape can be so obtained; in fact, the theoretically possible curves correspond to observed curves.     

Chemo-spectrophotometric evolution of spiral galaxies – IV. Star formation efficiency and effective ages of spirals

We study the star formation history of normal spirals by using a large and homogeneous data sample of local galaxies. For our analysis we utilize detailed models of chemical and spectrophotometric galactic evolution, calibrated on the Milky Way disc. We find that star formation efficiency is independent of galactic mass, while massive discs have, on average, lower gas fractions and are redder than their low-mass counterparts; put together, these findings convincingly suggest that massive spirals are older than low-mass ones. We evaluate the effective ages of the galaxies of our sample and we find that massive spirals must be several Gyr older than low-mass ones. We also show that these galaxies (having rotational velocities in the 80–400 km s⁻¹ range) cannot have suffered extensive mass losses, i.e. they cannot have lost during their lifetime an amount of mass much larger than their current content of gas+stars.     

Cosmic energy equation for extended structures and its application to gravitational galaxy clustering

Cosmic energy equation represents the law of conservation of energy in the region expanding with time as the universe expands. It gives the evolution of kinetic and correlation potential energy with time in a cluster expanding as the universe expands. To understand the clustering of galaxies under the influence of gravitational force, cosmic energy equation is of great help. We use cosmic energy equation for extended structures (galaxies with halos) to analyse the gravitational galaxy clustering in different ways. We try to understand the influence of expansion on the clustering by deriving the relation between correlation parameter b _V and scale factor R. We also derive the relation between the peculiar kinetic energy K and correlation parameter to know that when peculiar kinetic energy dominates over the kinetic energy of galaxies due to expansion. Besides, the evolution of specific heat and energy provides the information regarding the different states of clustering.     

MOND plus classical neutrinos are not enough for cluster lensing

Clusters of galaxies offer a robust test bed for probing the nature of dark matter that is insensitive to the assumption of the gravity theories. Both Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) and General Relativity (GR) would require similar amounts of non-baryonic matter in clusters as MOND boosts the gravity only mildly on cluster scales. Gravitational lensing allows us to estimate the enclosed mass in clusters on small (∼20–50 kpc) and large (∼several 100 kpc) scales independent of the assumptions of equilibrium. Here, we show for the first time that a combination of strong and weak gravitational lensing effects can set interesting limits on the phase-space density of dark matter in the centres of clusters. The phase-space densities derived from lensing observations are inconsistent with neutrino masses ranging from 2–7 eV, and hence do not support the 2 eV-range particles required by MOND. To survive, the most plausible modification for MOND may be an additional degree of dynamical freedom in a covariant incarnation.     

Galactic rotation curves and brane-world models

In the present investigation, flat rotational curves of the galaxies are considered under the framework of brane-world models where the four-dimensional effective Einstein equation has extra terms which arise from the embedding of the 3-brane in the five-dimensional bulk. It has been shown here that these long-range bulk gravitational degrees of freedom can act as a mechanism to yield the observed galactic rotation curves without the need for dark matter. The present model has the advantage that the observed rotation curves result solely from well-established non-local effects of gravitation, such as dark radiation and dark pressure under a direct use of the condition of flat rotation curves and does not invoke any exotic matter field.     

Vertical distribution of Galactic disc stars and gas constrained by a molecular cloud complex

We investigate the dynamical effects of a molecular cloud complex with a mass ∼ 10⁷ M_⊙ and a size ∼ a few 100 pc on the vertical distribution of stars and atomic hydrogen gas in a spiral galactic disc. Such massive complexes have now been observed in a number of spiral galaxies. The extended mass distribution in a complex, with an average mass density 6 times higher than the Oort limit, is shown to dominate the local gravitational field. This results in a significant redistribution or clustering of the surrounding disc components towards the mid-plane, with a resulting decrease in their vertical scaleheights.
The modified, self-consistent stellar density distribution is obtained by solving the combined Poisson equation and the force equation along the z -direction for an isothermal stellar disc on which the complex is imposed. The effect of the complex is strongest at its centre, where the stellar mid-plane density increases by a factor of 2.6 and the vertical scaleheight decreases by a factor of 3.4 compared with the undisturbed stellar disc. A surprising result is the large radial distance of ∼ 500 pc from the complex centre over which the complex influences the disc; this is due to the extended mass distribution in a complex. The complex has a comparable effect on the vertical distribution of the atomic hydrogen gas in the galactic disc. This 'pinching' or constraining effect should be detectable in the nearby spiral galaxies, as for example has been done for NGC 2403 by Sicking. Thus the gravitational field of a complex results in local corrugations of the stellar and H  i vertical scaleheights, and the galactic disc potential is highly non-uniform on scales of the intercomplex separation of ∼ 1 kpc.     

Book reviews

A phenomenological model of double galaxy dynamics is constructed, assuming a Bohr model for isolated point galaxies bound together in circular orbits by the Newtonian gravitational force. The model is tested by using experimental data from three, independent, random samples of isolated pairs. In each case, the data provides cautious support for the existance of gravitational Bohr orbits in double galaxies, with a mean cosmic Planck's constant/2π given by: $$\langle \hbar _g \rangle \approx 5 \times 10^{74} {\text{erg s }}{\text{.}}$$      

A primordial feature at the scale of superclusters of galaxies

We investigate a spatially flat cold dark matter model (with the matter density parameter     with a primordial feature in the initial power spectrum. We assume that there is a bump in the power spectrum of density fluctuations at wavelengths     , which corresponds to the scale of superclusters of galaxies . There are indications for such a feature in the power spectra derived from redshift surveys and also in the power spectra derived from peculiar velocities of galaxies. We study the mass function of clusters of galaxies, the power spectrum of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature fluctuations, the rms bulk velocity and the rms peculiar velocity of clusters of galaxies. The baryon density is assumed to be consistent with the big bang nucleosynthesis value. We show that with an appropriately chosen feature in the power spectrum of density fluctuations at the scale of superclusters, the mass function of clusters, the CMB power spectrum, the rms bulk velocity and the rms peculiar velocity of clusters are in good agreement with the observed data.