A generalization of the Lorentz ether to gravity with general-relativistic limit

TL;DR

This paper introduces a gravity theory with a preferred frame that aligns with general relativity in the appropriate limit, featuring unique predictions like stable 'frozen stars' and a 'big bounce', derived from a condensed matter framework.

Contribution

It proposes a generalized Lorentz ether theory of gravity that naturally reproduces Einstein's equations and incorporates a preferred frame, challenging traditional views on relativity.

Findings

The theory reproduces Einstein's equations in a natural limit.

Predicts stable 'frozen stars' instead of black holes.

Supports a condensed matter interpretation of standard model fields.

Abstract

Does relativistic gravity provide arguments against the existence of a preferred frame? Our answer is negative. We define a viable theory of gravity with preferred frame. In this theory, the EEP holds exactly, and the Einstein equations of GR limit are obtained in a natural limit. Despite some remarkable differences (stable "frozen stars" instead of black holes, a "big bounce" instead of the big bang, exclusion of nontrivial topologies and closed causal loops, and a preference for a flat universe) the theory is viable. The equations of the theory are derived from simple axioms about some fundamental condensed matter (the generalized Lorentz ether), so that, in particular, the EEP is not postulated but derived. The theory is compatible with the condensed matter interpretation for the fermions and gauge fields of the standard model.