Disrupting Satellite Galaxies around MW-like Galaxies

Simulations of Milky Way-mass galaxies show satellite galaxies being pulled apart by tidal forces. While this is observed in the MW, the simulations are disrupting more than the observed satellites of the MW. If the observations are not detecting all of the disruption, this could mean we are underestimating the disruption of MW satellites. Alternatively, our simulations are over-predicting disruption; this would call into question the many inferences and conclusions we've drawn about the MW from simulations of galaxies.

In order to test whether we can compare simulation results to observations, I am building off the work on disrupting satellites in the Auriga simulation suite from Riley 2025 and Shipp 2025. I am looking to see if morphological features that observers associate with disruption are indicative of disruption. The paper is in collaboration review!

Satellite Galaxies of Dwarf Galaxies

Low mass galaxies, like the LMC and SMC, have satellite galaxies of their own. In upcoming surveys, we expect to be able to detect these satellites of low mass galaxies in the Local Volume. I am working with collaborators at Dartmouth College, Rutgers University, and Grinnell College to study satellite galaxies as they accrete on to low mass galaxies and how they impact the formation and evolution of the galaxies.