Andromeda XXXV: Astronomers Discover the Smallest, Faintest Galaxy That Defies Cosmic Evolution Theories

Astronomers have identified Andromeda XXXV, the smallest and faintest galaxy ever observed, located approximately 3 million light-years away. Orbiting the Andromeda galaxy, this dwarf galaxy challenges existing theories of cosmic evolution. Its survival in the early universe's hot, dense conditions, where such small galaxies were expected to be destroyed, presents a puzzle. Andromeda XXXV, about a millionth the size of the Milky Way, continued star formation until about 6 billion years ago, unlike Milky Way satellites that ceased star formation much earlier. This suggests a different evolutionary path, potentially influenced by Andromeda stripping away its gas supply. The galaxy's ability to resist the universe's early reheating, which should have halted star formation, remains a mystery. Future missions may uncover more dwarf galaxies, potentially revealing further insights into galaxy evolution and the universe's history.