The realm of the ultra-low surface brightness universe

  • Valls-Gabaud, David (CNRS, Observatoire de Paris: Churchill College, University of Cambridge)
  • Published : 2017.04.10

Abstract

One of the major discoveries in extragalactic astrophysics made over the past few years is the detection of ultra-diffuse galaxies, a new type of galaxies which appear to be far more numerous than normal galaxies, and which are giants in terms of size, yet dwarfs in terms of luminosity. These galaxies point to the huge discovery potential of the last niche that remains to be explored in observational parameter space: the sky at extremelylow surface brightness. Implications for objects in the Solar System, stellar physics, the interstellar medium, galaxies and cosmology will be addressed, along with the major challenges for pushing the frontiers in ground- and space-based observations.

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