Dwarf Galaxies: Small But Mighty Cosmic Neighbors

Dwarf galaxies are tiny compared to giants, holding from a few million to a few billion stars.
Despite their size, they are the most common type of galaxy in the universe.
The Milky Way has more than 50 known dwarf galaxy companions.
The Large and Small Magellanic Clouds are dwarf galaxies visible to the naked eye.
Many dwarf galaxies orbit larger galaxies, influenced by their gravity.
They come in various shapes: dwarf ellipticals, dwarf irregulars, and ultra-faint dwarfs.
Dwarfs often act as building blocks, merging to form larger galaxies.
Their stars are typically old and metal-poor, preserving clues to early cosmic history.
Some are rich in dark matter, making them key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe.
Though small, dwarf galaxies play an outsized role in shaping galactic evolution.