On Observational Predictions from Multidimensional Gravity

Abstract

We discuss possible observational manifestations of static, spherically symmetric solutions of a class of multidimensional theories of gravity, which includes the low energy limits of supergravities and superstring theories as special cases. We discuss the choice of a physical conformal frame to be used for the description of observations. General expressions are given for (i) the Eddington parameters $\beta$ and $\gamma$, characterizing the post-Newtonian gravitational field of a central body, (ii) p-brane black hole temperatures in different conformal frames and (iii) the Coulomb law modified by extra dimensions. It is concluded, in particular, that $\beta$ and $\gamma$ depend on the integration constants and can be therefore different for different central bodies. If, however, the Einstein frame is adopted for describing observations, we always obtain $\gamma=1$. The modified Coulomb law is shown to be independent of the choice of a 4-dimensional conformal frame. We also argue the possible existence of specific multidimensional objects, T-holes, potentially observable as bodies with mirror surfaces.