An alternative approach to the galactic dark matter problem

TL;DR

This paper explores the idea that scalar fields, possibly forming topological defects or undergoing spontaneous scalarization, could explain galactic rotation curves without traditional dark matter, offering an alternative theoretical framework.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach where scalar fields form stationary configurations to account for galactic rotation curves, without direct matter coupling.

Findings

Scalar fields can form stable, long-range configurations in galaxies.

Topological defects and spontaneous scalarization are viable mechanisms.

This approach offers an alternative to particle dark matter models.

Abstract

We discuss scenarios in which the galactic dark matter in spiral galaxies is described by a long range coherent field which settles in a stationary configuration that might account for the features of the galactic rotation curves. The simplest possibility is to consider scalar fields, so we discuss in particular, two mechanisms that would account for the settlement of the scalar field in a non-trivial configuration in the absence of a direct coupling of the field with ordinary matter: topological defects, and spontaneous scalarization.