Exotic smoothness and astrophysics

Abstract

The problem of possible astrophysical consequences of the existence of exotic differential structures on manifolds is discussed. It is argued that corrections to the curvature of the form of a source like terms should be expected in the Einstein equations if they are written in the “wrong” differentia structure. Examples of topologically trivial spaces on which exotic differential structures act as a source of gravitational force even in the absence of matter are given. Propagation of light in the presence of such phenomena is also discussed. A brief review of exotic smoothness is added for completeness.