MONG: An extension to galaxy clusters

TL;DR

This paper extends the modified Newtonian dynamics (MONG) model to galaxy clusters, successfully explaining observed galaxy velocities and addressing high matter density effects without invoking dark matter.

Contribution

It introduces an extension of MONG to galaxy clusters, modeling galaxy velocities and explaining observational data without dark matter.

Findings

Model matches observed galaxy velocities in Virgo cluster.

Predicts velocity decrease at high matter density regions.

Aligns with observed deviations in Hubble flow.

Abstract

The presence of dark matter, though well established by indirect evidence, is yet to be observed directly. Various dark matter detection experiments running for several years have yielded no positive results. In view of these negative results, we had earlier proposed alternate models by postulating a minimum gravitational field strength (minimum curvature) and a minimum acceleration. These postulates led to the modified Newtonian dynamics and modified Newtonian gravity (MONG). The observed flat rotation curves of galaxies were also accounted for through these postulates. Here we extend these postulates to galaxy clusters and model the dynamical velocity-distance curve for a typical cluster such as the Virgo cluster. The radial velocities of galaxies in the Virgo cluster are also obtained through this model. Observations show an inconsistency in the Hubble flow at a mean cluster distance of 17 Mpc, which is expected in regions of high matter density. This decrease in velocity is predicted by our model of modified gravity (MONG). The radial velocity versus distance relation for galaxies in the Virgo cluster obtained using MONG is in agreement with observations.