Say hello to Andromeda XXXVI! Credit Sakowska+ 2026b, G. Donatiello
Ultra-faint dwarf galaxies (UFDGs) are the smallest galaxies in our Universe. Full of dark matter, many have undergone little to no evolution since their formation in the early Universe, providing precious constraints on early galaxy formation. Yet, due to their ultra-faint nature, UFDGs can only be found within our Local Group.
In Sakowska+ 2026b, we report our discovery of Andromeda XXXVI! While this new UFDG adds to the 40+ known satellites surrounding Andromeda, simulations predict over 90+ to be present, highlighting that there is still much to be discovered.
Dr Joanna Sakowska
Astrophysicist and science communicator