Multi-probe analysis of strong-field effects in $f(Q)$ gravity

TL;DR

This paper tests covariant $f(Q)$ gravity against strong-field astrophysical observations, finding that one solution branch closely matches General Relativity while the other predicts observable deviations, thus constraining the theory.

Contribution

It provides the first strong-field observational constraints on covariant $f(Q)$ gravity using black-hole shadows, lensing, and stellar precession data.

Findings

Case I aligns with Schwarzschild predictions, negligible deviations.

Case II predicts observable differences in photon sphere and shadow size.

Tight bounds on $f(Q)$ gravity parameters from EHT and lensing data.

Abstract

Covariant $f(Q)$ gravity is a viable extension of General Relativity, however its strong-field predictions remain largely untested. Using the static, spherically symmetric black-hole solutions of the theory, we confront it with the most stringent probes available: black-hole shadows, Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) measurements, S2-star precession, and strong gravitational lensing. We show that the two admissible solution branches behave very differently: Case~I produces negligible deviations from Schwarzschild solution, whereas Case~II yields significant, potentially observable corrections to the photon sphere and shadow size. From the EHT shadow diameters of M87* and Sgr~A*, we obtain tight bounds, which are further strengthened by strong-lensing coefficients. These results provide the sharpest strong-field constraints on covariant $f(Q)$ gravity to date, and point toward future tests using next-generation horizon-scale imaging and precision Galactic-center astrometry.