In hierarchical cosmological models, galaxies grow in mass through the continual accretion of smaller ones. The tidal disruption of these systems is expected to result in loosely bound and distant stars surrounding the galaxy. A panoramic survey of the Andromeda galaxy (M31) now reveals stars and coherent structures that are almost certainly remnants of dwarf galaxies destroyed by the tidal field of M31.
- Alan W. McConnachie
- Michael J. Irwin
- Kimberly A. Venn