Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) is a possible solution for the missing mass problem in galac- tic dynamics; its predictions are in good agreement with observations in the limit of weak accelerations. However, MOND does not derive from a physical mechanism and does not make predictions on the transitional regime from Newtonian to modified dynamics; rather, empirical transition functions have to be constructed from the boundary conditions and comparisons with observations. I compare the formalism of classical MOND to the scaling law derived from a toy model of gravity based on virtual massive gravitons (the “graviton picture”) which I proposed recently. I conclude that MOND naturally derives from the “graviton picture” at least for the case of non-relativistic, highly symmetric dynamical systems. This suggests that – to first order – the “graviton picture” indeed provides a valid candidate for the physical mechanism behind MOND and gravity on galactic scales in general.

ABSTRACT
1. INTRODUCTION
2. ANALYSIS
    2.1 Transition Functions in MOND
    2.2 The “Graviton Picture”
3. DISCUSSION
4. CONCLUSIONS
REFERENCES

• SASCHA TRIPPE(Department of Physics and Astronomy, Seoul National University)