Dark matter and modified gravity: Einstein clusters from a non-minimally coupled vector field

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that a non-minimally coupled vector field can replicate Einstein cluster dynamics, offering a potential explanation for flat galactic rotation curves as a modified gravity effect.

Contribution

It introduces a vector field model that reproduces Einstein cluster behavior, providing a new perspective on galactic rotation curves without dark matter.

Findings

Vector field reproduces Einstein cluster dynamics

Suggests rotation curves as a modified gravity phenomenon

Supports alternative gravity theories for galaxy dynamics

Abstract

We show that a vector field non-minimally coupled to gravity reproduces exactly the dynamics of an Einstein cluster -- a large ensemble of non-interacting particles moving on circular geodesics under their collective gravitational field. Since Einstein clusters are known to be able to account for flat galactic rotation curves, our results suggest that such rotation curves may arise as a manifestation of modified gravity.