Decoding the Dynamics of Leo T: A Perturbed Dwarf Galaxy at the Milky Way's Edge

Matías Blaña and collaborators used simulations to study Leo T, a gas-rich dwarf galaxy on the outskirts of the Milky Way. They investigated why its stars and gas are misaligned, exploring the effects of environmental forces, stellar winds, and internal dynamics. The results suggest that Leo T likely has a "cored" dark matter profile, allowing for long-lasting oscillations in its gas distribution. This study highlights how a combination of internal processes and interactions with the Milky Way shape the evolution of small galaxies like Leo T, providing insights into dark matter behavior.