The discovery of 100 hidden ghost galaxies orbiting the Milky Way has sent shockwaves throughout the scientific community, sparking renewed interest in the Lambda Cold Dark Matter (LCDM) theory. This groundbreaking research, led by cosmologists at Durham University, has shed new light on the mysteries of galaxy formation and evolution.

Using a novel technique that combines high-resolution supercomputer simulations with advanced mathematical modeling, researchers have predicted the existence of dozens more satellite galaxies surrounding our home galaxy, orbiting at close distances. These so-called “orphan” galaxies are extremely faint, stripped almost entirely of their dark matter halos by the gravity of the Milky Way’s halo.

The findings suggest that there should be around 80 or potentially up to 100 more satellite galaxies than currently known, with approximately 30 newly discovered tiny Milky Way satellite candidates being a subset of this population. If confirmed, this would provide strong support for the LCDM theory and demonstrate the power of physics and mathematics in making precise predictions that can be tested by observational astronomers.

The research is funded by the European Research Council and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), with calculations performed on the Cosmology Machine (COSMA) supercomputer. The Royal Astronomical Society’s National Astronomy Meeting 2025 will see researchers present their findings, alongside outreach events involving schools, artists, industry, and the public.

As we continue to explore the mysteries of the universe, this research serves as a testament to the importance of continued investment in cosmological studies and the pursuit of knowledge. The unveiling of these hidden satellites offers a glimpse into the intricate web of galaxy formation and evolution, leaving us with new questions and avenues for investigation.

The existence of a new type of cosmic object, dubbed “dark dwarfs,” has been proposed by a UK-US research team. These mysterious stars could hold the key to understanding one of the universe’s greatest mysteries: dark matter.

Dark dwarfs are thought to be powered by dark matter, an invisible substance making up about a quarter of the universe. According to theoretical models, young stars can become trapped in dense pockets of dark matter, capturing particles that then collide and release energy, keeping the star-like object glowing indefinitely.

Unlike brown dwarfs, which cool and fade over time, dark dwarfs are sustained by this unique interaction with dark matter. To identify these objects, scientists point to a specific clue: lithium-7. This rare form of lithium would still be present in dark dwarfs, unlike normal stars where it gets burned up quickly.

The discovery of dark dwarfs in the galactic center could provide a unique insight into the particle nature of dark matter. Study co-author Dr Djuna Croon of Durham University emphasizes that finding just one of these mysterious objects would be a major step towards unraveling the true nature of dark matter.

Telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope might already be capable of spotting dark dwarfs, especially when focusing on the center of our galaxy. Alternatively, scientists could look at many similar objects and statistically determine whether some of them could be dark dwarfs.

The existence of dark dwarfs depends on dark matter being made up of specific kinds of particles called WIMPs (Weakly Interacting Massive Particles). These heavy particles barely interact with ordinary matter but could annihilate within stars, providing the energy needed to keep a dark dwarf alive.

In summary, dark dwarfs offer a fascinating new perspective on the nature of dark matter. Further research and observations are necessary to confirm their existence and unlock the secrets of this mysterious phenomenon.

The Moon has long been a subject of fascination for scientists and space enthusiasts alike. One of its most striking features is the asymmetry between its near and far sides, which manifests in various ways – from topography and crustal thickness to volcanic activity. The origins of these differences have puzzled researchers for decades, but the China’s Chang’e-6 mission has finally provided some answers.

Launched on May 3, 2024, the Chang’e-6 spacecraft returned a significant amount of material from the lunar farside’s South Pole-Aitken Basin (SPA), the largest and deepest known impact structure on the Moon. The samples arrived on Earth on June 25, 2024, and their analysis has shed new light on the evolution of the Moon.

Researchers led by institutions affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, including the Institute of Geology and Geophysics (IGG) and the National Astronomical Observatories (NAOC), have made four landmark discoveries based on the SPA samples. Their findings were published in cover articles in the journal Nature, providing a comprehensive understanding of the profound geological consequences of the impact that formed the SPA.

One of the most significant discoveries is that volcanic activity on the lunar farside persisted for at least 1.4 billion years, far longer than previously thought. This prolonged volcanic activity is attributed to two distinct phases – 4.2 billion and 2.8 billion years ago. The analysis also revealed a rebound in the Moon’s magnetic field 2.8 billion years ago, suggesting that the lunar dynamo, which generates magnetic fields, fluctuated episodically rather than fading steadily.

Furthermore, the research teams found significant asymmetry in water distribution within the lunar interior, with the farside mantle having lower water content than the nearside mantle. Geochemical analysis of basalt points to an “ultra-depleted” mantle source, likely resulting from either a primordial depleted mantle or massive melt extraction triggered by large impacts.

The Chang’e-6 mission has not only illuminated the evolution of the Moon’s farside but also underscored the transformative impact of space exploration on our understanding of planetary formation and evolution. The four landmark discoveries made possible by this mission are a testament to the power of international collaboration and the unwavering dedication of scientists to unraveling the secrets of our cosmos.