New research suggests that up to 100 undiscovered galaxies could be orbiting the Milky Way, challenging existing theories about space. Cosmologists at Durham University used a new technique combining supercomputer simulations and mathematical modeling to make this discovery.
The researchers predicted the existence of “orphan” galaxies, which are too faint to be seen by current telescopes. If these galaxies exist, it would provide strong support for the Lambda Cold Dark Matter theory, the standard model of cosmology explaining large-scale structure and galaxy formation.
According to experts, most galaxies in the universe are low-mass dwarf galaxies that orbit around more massive galaxies like the Milky Way. However, existing simulations lack resolution and precision to study faint satellite galaxies and their dark matter halos. The new technique overcomes these limitations, allowing scientists to make precise predictions that can be tested by future telescopes.
The discovery raises exciting possibilities for astronomers, who may soon be able to detect these “missing” galaxies using advanced telescopes and instruments. If confirmed, it would add weight to the Lambda Cold Dark Matter theory and shed more light on the formation and evolution of the universe as we see it today.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/100-undiscovered-galaxies-orbiting-milky-new-research/story?id=123766665