11:00 am–12:00 pm ERC 401
Title: Dwarfs: Near and Far
Abstract:
This talk explores two frontiers in "dwarf" astronomy: dwarf galaxies in the Local Volume (<10 Mpc) and dwarf planets in our outer solar system. I will first present results from the ELVES-Dwarf survey, which statistically characterizes satellite populations around dwarf galaxies at distances of 4-10 Mpc. By comparing observed satellite abundances and stellar mass functions with ΛCDM predictions, we find that the classical "missing satellite problem" does not extend to the dwarf galaxy regime. Intriguingly, however, we have identified an isolated dwarf galaxy hosting the richest satellite system ever found — in 3σ-4σ tension with theoretical expectations — suggesting a possible “too many satellites” problem.
Turning from galaxies to our solar system, I will discuss the discovery of 2017 OF201, a trans-Neptunian object and potential dwarf planet candidate. Its orbital characteristics provide new insights into the distribution of distant solar system bodies and contribute to the ongoing debate regarding the existence of Planet Nine.
Zoom: https://uchicago.zoom.us/j/93802578500?pwd=NWNKLhJbCVfJkaam4yWCgRZXcntdhA.1
