Scientists have succeeded in creating the most detailed radio snapshot of the nearest dwarf-type galaxy - the Small Magellanic Cloud (MMO). The image reveals the secrets of the formation and development of the galaxy.
For the review, the new powerful telescope CSIRO of the Australian square matrix Pathfinder (ASKAP) was used. A significant role was played by innovative radio cameras - phased channels.
The IMO occupies a small part of the Milky Way in size and is one of the nearest galactic neighbors. It can be found in the sky without the use of technology. The researchers note that a complex structure could have been formed due to contact with the Large Magellanic Cloud and our galaxy.
A new image demonstrates the dynamic past of a dwarf galaxy. Moreover, the features were 3 times less than previously observed. A new look was extracted in the study of galactic evolution.
Optical image of a part of the Small Magellan Clouds
Distortions in the dwarf galaxy occurred due to contact with larger neighbors and internal stellar explosions, displacing gas. According to forecasts, the Milky Way once swallow MMO.
In recent years, a dwarf galaxy has been observed with IR telescopes (Spitzer and Herschel). But the new radio image made it possible to achieve amazing detailing at the gas level. Hydrogen is the fundamental building block in all galaxies, showing a more extended structure than stars and dust.
