Wide binaries provide crucial observational tests for MOND as they can challenge its predictions. One key prediction of MOND is the existence of a critical acceleration scale below which the modified dynamics of MOND start to deviate from Newtonian expectations. Historically, wide binaries were thought to pose a problem for MOND because the expected rotation velocities of the stars in such systems seemed to disagree with the predictions of the theory.
Early concerns related to wide binaries and MOND were primarily driven by the apparent discrepancy between the observed velocity dispersion of stars in these systems and the MOND prediction. MOND predicted that the velocity dispersion should increase with the total mass of the system, while the observations seemed to indicate a different behavior.
However, subsequent research and refinements in the MOND theory, particularly the introduction of the anisotropic MOND (aMOND) model, have helped address these concerns. aMOND allows for different accelerations in radial and tangential directions, providing a more accurate representation of the dynamics in rotating systems like galaxies and binary stars.
With improved understanding and additional observational data, it has been shown that MOND is consistent with the dynamics observed in wide binaries. Studies focusing on carefully selected wide binary systems, such as the Large Magellanic Cloud's binary pair NGC 4190 and the Milky Way's binary partner, the Sagittarius Dwarf Elliptical Galaxy, demonstrate agreement between MOND predictions and the observed stellar kinematics.
While the challenges posed by wide binaries to MOND have been significant and highlighted the need for refinements to the theory, they have not resulted in the demise of MOND. Instead, they have stimulated advancements and improvements within the MOND framework, leading to a better understanding and validation of the theory.
However, it is worth mentioning that not all MOND variants can fully explain the dynamics of wide binaries. Some versions of MOND may still encounter difficulties in reproducing the observed properties. The field of MOND research is ongoing, and further studies and refinement