I am too ignorant to weigh in on MOND vs dark matter, but this seems entirely possible. In all domains - not only physics - there are many possible models that

I am too ignorant to weigh in on MOND vs dark matter, but this seems entirely possible. In all domains - not only physics - there are many possible models that seem to match our observations. They’re continually adapted over time in order to meet to perceived needs and reality (see: the medieval European church). Paradigm shifts can happen incremental or explosively. With the enormous sunk cost in our existing models - not least the millions of people educated in them - incremental change becomes harder. If MOND or any alternative theory is “true”, it faces a distinct challenge: there are decades of experiments and observations that have been fit to our existing model. To take over, it needs to answer _all_ of it - or provide so much utility that the incentives shift. Success can be paralysing. In tech, a new idea can come along and shake everything up by showing results and solving a problem. The only way a new model of physics can do that is by generating a practical breakthrough. I hope I’m wrong!