Unveiling the Origins of the Leiptr Stellar Stream: A Disrupted Ultra-Faint Dwarf Galaxy?

The study by Kaia R. Atzberger and team analyzes the chemical composition of stars in the Leiptr stellar stream, suggesting it originated from a low-mass dwarf galaxy, not a globular cluster as previously thought. By examining the abundances of elements like iron, magnesium, and barium, the researchers found variations consistent with ultra-faint dwarf galaxies. This supports the idea that Leiptr is a remnant of one of the smallest and earliest galaxies that merged with the Milky Way.