Research
Rubin Observatory discovers two hidden companions of the Milky Way. Hundreds more may be waiting
The Brief
- The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has found two previously unknown companions of the Milky Way.
- The discoveries were made from preliminary observations covering about 7% of the night sky.
- The finds include an extremely faint galaxy about 355,000 light-years away and a star cluster hidden behind dust.
Why it matters
The finds suggest the Milky Way may have many more faint satellite galaxies and clusters than currently known, which matters for studies of galaxy formation and the dark matter halo around our galaxy.
- #rubin-observatory
- #milky-way
- #satellite-galaxies
- #star-clusters
- #astronomy
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has already uncovered two previously unknown companions of the Milky Way using preliminary observations covering just 7% of the night sky. The discoveries include an extremely faint galaxy 355,000 light-years away and a star cluster hidden behind…
Timeline
Space & Time News reports the discovery of two hidden Milky Way companions (ScienceDaily)
Space & Time News -- ScienceDaily
Rubin Observatory discovers two hidden companions of the Milky Way. Hundreds more may be waiting