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Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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A Conceptual Reinterpretation of Flat Rotation Curves of Galaxies Based on the Density Wave Model

Authors: Sugawara, Akihito;

A Conceptual Reinterpretation of Flat Rotation Curves of Galaxies Based on the Density Wave Model

Abstract

This work presents a conceptual reinterpretation of the observed flattening of galactic rotation curves, without invoking dark matter or MOND-based modifications of gravity. By treating spiral arms as density waves, stars moving within these high-density patterns experience an \textit{apparent acceleration}, which remains roughly constant across the outer regions of galaxies. This mechanism naturally explains the flat rotation curves of stars at large galactocentric distances. The approach builds upon the pioneering work of Chandrasekhar, Lin, and Shu on density wave theory, providing a framework to understand galactic dynamics from first principles. This conceptual model highlights how wave-induced motion can produce observational effects similar to those attributed to hypothetical gravitational modifications, while remaining grounded in observable galactic structure.

Keywords

Spiral galaxies, MOND comparison, Galaxy rotation curves, Density wave theory, Flat rotation curve, Conceptual astrophysics, Apparent acceleration, Galactic dynamics, Chandrasekhar

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
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