Minimal Einstein-Aether theory

We show that there is a phenomenologically and theoretically consistent limit of the generic Einstein-Aether theory in which the Einstein-Aether field equations reduce to Einstein field equations with a perfect fluid distribution sourced by the aether field. This limit is obtained by taking three of the coupling constants of the theory to be zero but keeping the expansion coupling constant to be nonzero. We then consider the further reduction of this limited version of Einstein-Aether theory by taking the expansion of the aether field to be constant (possibly zero), and thereby we introduce the Minimal Einstein-Aether theory that supports the Einstein metrics as solutions with a reduced cosmological constant. The square of the expansion of the unit-timelike aether field shifts the bare cosmological constant and thus provides, via local Lorentz symmetry breaking inherent in the Einstein-Aether theories, a novel mechanism for reconciling the observed, small cosmological constant (or dark energy) with the large theoretical prediction coming from quantum field theories. The crucial point here is that minimal Einstein-Aether theory does not modify the well-tested aspects of General Relativity such as solar system tests and black hole physics including gravitational waves.