VACUUM MODIFIED GRAVITY AS AN EXPLANATION FOR FLAT GALAXY ROTATION CURVES

Abstract

A theory is proposed which allows explaining the observed flat galaxy rotation curves, without needing to invoke dark matter. Whereas other theories have been proposed in the past which realize the same, the present theory rests on basic physical principles, in contrast to for instance the MOND theory. The key to arrive at this new theory is to consider from the start the energy density of the vacuum. The way to calculate the eect of the corresponding vacuum pressure on a mass has previously been laid down by Van Nieuwenhove (1992). We obtain a modification of Newton’s law of gravitation with some peculiar properties such as the occurrence of regions of repulsive gravity. The theory can make detailed predictions about galaxy rotation curves and is also able to explain to the Pioneer anomaly.