Rotational Velocity Curves in the Milky Way as a Test of Modified Gravity

TL;DR

This paper tests modified gravity theories using the Milky Way's rotation curve, finding Scalar-Vector-Tensor Gravity matches observations without dark matter, unlike MOND.

Contribution

It demonstrates that Scalar-Vector-Tensor Gravity accurately predicts the Milky Way's rotation curve without dark matter, challenging MOND's predictions.

Findings

STVG/MOG matches observed rotation curves

MOND's predictions do not align with data

Supports modified gravity as an alternative to dark matter

Abstract

Galaxy rotation curves determined observationally out to a radius well beyond the galaxy cores can provide a critical test of modified gravity models without dark matter. The predicted rotational velocity curve obtained from Scalar-Vector-Tensor Gravity (STVG or MOG) is in excellent agreement with data for the Milky Way without a dark matter halo, with a mass of $5\times 10^{10}\,M_{\odot}$. The velocity rotation curve predicted by modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) does not agree with the data.