# Reconstructing the gravitational field of the local universe

## TL;DR

This paper maps key gravitational variables in the local universe using galaxy surveys and simulations to evaluate their potential in testing gravity theories and constraining models.

## Contribution

It introduces a method combining observational data and simulations to map gravitational variables around galaxies up to 200 Mpc, enhancing gravity tests.

## Key findings

- Galaxies significantly extend the scope of gravity tests.
- Mapping these variables helps constrain specific gravity models.
- Upcoming surveys will improve these constraints.

## Abstract

Tests of gravity at the galaxy scale are in their infancy. As a first step to systematically uncovering the gravitational significance of galaxies, we map three fundamental gravitational variables -- the Newtonian potential, acceleration and curvature -- over the galaxy environments of the local universe to a distance of approximately 200 Mpc. Our method combines the contributions from galaxies in an all-sky redshift survey, halos from an N-body simulation hosting low-luminosity objects, and linear and quasi-linear modes of the density field. We use the ranges of these variables to determine the extent to which galaxies expand the scope of generic tests of gravity and are capable of constraining specific classes of model for which they have special significance. Finally, we investigate the improvements afforded by upcoming galaxy surveys.