Applying MOG to lensing: Einstein rings, Abell 520 and the Bullet Cluster

TL;DR

This paper explores gravitational lensing using MOG theory, showing it can predict light bending and cluster collisions accurately without adjustable parameters, aligning well with observations like the Bullet Cluster.

Contribution

It applies MOG theory to gravitational lensing phenomena, demonstrating parameter-free predictions that match astronomical observations of galaxy clusters.

Findings

MOG accurately predicts light bending in strong lensing cases.

MOG's predictions align with observations of the Bullet Cluster and Abell 520.

The theory requires no adjustable parameters for these predictions.

Abstract

We investigate gravitational lensing in the context of the MOG modified theory of gravity. Using a formulation of the theory with no adjustable or fitted parameters, we present the MOG equations of motion for slow, nonrelativistic test particles and for ultrarelativistic test particles, such as rays of light. We demonstrate how the MOG prediction for the bending of light can be applied to astronomical observations. Our investigation first focuses on a small set of strong lensing observations where the properties of the lensing objects are found to be consistent with the predictions of the theory. We also present an analysis of the colliding clusters 1E0657-558 (known also as the Bullet Cluster) and Abell 520; in both cases, the predictions of the MOG theory are in good agreement with observation.