A Novel Empirical and Theoretical Model for Galactic Rotation Curves

This paper challenges the conventional reliance on dark matter by proposing a novel model for galactic rotation curves that reinterprets the role of time in gravitational dynamics. Nathaniel MacDonald introduces a dynamic time field that adds an extra acceleration component to the standard gravitational pull, eliminating the need for unseen dark matter to explain the observed flatness of rotation curves. Using a piecewise power-law framework, the model accurately captures the steep velocity rise in the inner regions and the sustained flat rotation in the outer regions of galaxies. Empirical validation across a diverse sample of galaxies supports the model's consistency, offering fresh insights into the underlying principles of galactic dynamics and paving the way for new approaches in cosmology and gravitational physics.