A suggestion for MOND

Abstract

Modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND) has had considerable success in describing motion in galaxies. It uses a single force which falls off inversely with the distance at large distances and inversely with the square of the distance at smaller distances. We present an alternative theory with two forces, one the traditional Newtonian inverse-square, and the other that falls off inversely with distance at large distances. This obvious possibility has been avoided because of fear that the second force would be incompatible with observed planetary motions. However, the nonlinear field equation that governs this force is shown to reduce its strength near stars. The theory is derived from a Lagrangian density with two scalar potentials. It is nonrelativistic, but nevertheless agrees with the “classical tests of relativistic gravity” and can be used to calculate the bending of light in gravitational fields. Possible applications to interactions in galactic clusters and to anomalous planetary motions are noted.