For nearly two years, the Euclid space telescope, operated by the European Space Agency (ESA), has been capturing deep-space images to help scientists create the most detailed 3D map of the universe ever made.
This ambitious project aims to study billions of galaxies and stars, revealing secrets about how the universe has evolved.
Recently, a team of astronomers at the University of Innsbruck, including researchers Francine Marleau and Tim Schrabback, used Euclid’s data to discover 2,674 dwarf galaxies. These small galaxies, much less massive than the Milky Way, are the most common type of galaxy in the universe.
The research team carefully analyzed 25 images from Euclid and created a catalog of dwarf galaxy candidates.
Using a semi-automatic method, the scientists identified and studied these tiny galaxies in detail. They found that:
- 58% are elliptical dwarf galaxies (smooth and rounded in shape).
- 42% are irregular galaxies (with no clear structure).
- A small percentage have globular clusters (1%), galactic nuclei (4%), or blue compact centers (6.9%).
Why dwarf galaxies matter
Dwarf galaxies are key to understanding how galaxies form and change over time.
Their size and distribution also provide crucial tests for cosmological models, which are theories that explain how the universe has expanded and evolved since the Big Bang.
Astronomer Francine Marleau explains that Euclid’s deep-space imaging allows scientists to detect and study these small galaxies like never before. The telescope’s powerful vision helps researchers explore galaxies across different sizes, distances, and environments, giving them a clearer picture of the universe’s history.
A deeper look into the cosmos
The Euclid space telescope was launched on July 1, 2023, with the goal of studying the mysterious dark matter and dark energy that make up most of the universe. Scientists still don’t fully understand these invisible forces, but by mapping galaxies and their movements, Euclid can help solve the puzzle.
Over the next few years, Euclid will create the largest and most detailed 3D map of the universe, allowing astronomers to track how galaxies have changed over time. This will provide valuable insights into gravity, cosmic expansion, and the structure of the universe.
With more than 2,000 scientists from 300 institutions working together, Euclid is set to make groundbreaking discoveries that could change our understanding of space forever.
Source: University of Innsbruck.
