Scalar Field Models: From the Pioneer Anomaly to Astrophysical Constraints

Abstract

In this work we study how scalar fields may affect solar observables, and use the constraint on the Sun's central temperature to extract bounds on the parameters of relevant models. Also, a scalar field driven by a suitable potential is shown to produce an anomalous acceleration similar to the one found in the Pioneer anomaly.

Seven pages, one figure. To be published in the Proceedings of the New Worlds in Astroparticle Physics '05, Faro, Portugal