Frontiers Lecture: Low-Mass Galaxies

For tickets and more information, visit: https://amnh.link/44LAeYg

Two of the Milky Way’s most prominent satellite galaxies, the LMC and the SMC, extend their influence far beyond what we can see.
As these satellite galaxies interact with and spiral toward our galaxy, they stir both visible matter and the unseen dark matter halo, leaving imprints on the cosmic evolution of our galactic neighborhood.

Gurtina Besla, professor and theoretical astrophysicist, has reshaped conventional understanding of these galaxies, showing they are likely recent arrivals rather than long-term companions. Using cutting-edge simulations and real data from missions like Gaia, she reveals how the LMC’s motion disturbs the Milky Way’s dark matter halo, offering new insights into galaxy formation.

The Museum’s Frontiers Lecture series explores cutting-edge astrophysics topics. This program is recommended for ages 16+.

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• This Wednesday, 7th May, 07:00 pm, SciCafe: Sea Slugs, Pirates of the Ocean in Manhattan
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• Next Monday, 12th May, 07:00 pm, Data in the Age of AI: In Conversation with Sean Decatur and Alondra Nelson in Manhattan