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This study applies Fractional-Dimension Gravity (FDG), an alternative gravitational model, to explain the Milky Way galaxy's rotation curve using the latest Gaia DR3 data without invoking dark matter. The researchers successfully reproduced observed rotation curves by employing a variable fractional dimension D(R) that changes with distance from the galactic center. The analysis also explores speculative implications for special relativity in fractional dimensions, including the theoretical possibility of effective superluminal motion in regions where spatial dimension is less than 3.
Why it matters
If validated, this approach could fundamentally challenge the dark matter paradigm that has dominated astrophysics for decades, offering an alternative explanation for galactic dynamics through modified gravity rather than invisible matter. The work contributes to ongoing debates about whether observed cosmological phenomena require new particles or modifications to our understanding of gravity itself.
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⚠️ Preprint – Noch nicht peer-reviewed
Dieser Artikel wurde noch nicht von unabhängigen Experten begutachtet. Die Ergebnisse sind vorläufig und sollten mit Vorsicht interpretiert werden.
Abstract: In this work, we focus our analysis of Fractional-Dimension Gravity (FDG) on our home galaxy, the Milky Way (MW), by using the latest Gaia DR3 data as well as previous rotation curve (RC) data for this galaxy. FDG is an alternative gravitational model (previously known as Newtonian Fractional-Dimension Gravity – NFDG) which does not require the dark matter (DM) paradigm.
The MW is studied here with the methods of FDG and its observed rotation curves are successfully reproduced by using a variable fractional dimension $Dleft (Rright)$, following previous studies of several other galaxies which were analyzed with the same methodology. An alternative dimension function $D_{m}left(R right)$, based on the mass-dimension field equation, was also used and yielded less accurate fits to the experimental data.
In addition, we also considered possible implications of the FDG metric, based on the presence of additional weights, on the structure of Special Relativity (SR) for spacetimes with fractional dimension. One notable, but very speculative outcome of this analysis is the possibility of an effective superluminal motion in galactic regions where the space dimension is $D<3$.
Source: Fractional-Dimension Gravity and the Milky Way Galaxy