ELVES-Dwarf Survey: Probing the satellite system of isolated low-mass galaxies in the Local Volume

Speaker: Jiaxuan Li (Princeton University) In Person and zoom 

Zoom info: https://stanford.zoom.us/j/98604058568

The satellite populations of Milky Way-mass systems have been extensively studied, significantly advancing our understanding of galaxy formation and dark matter physics. However, the satellites of lower-mass dwarf galaxies remain largely unexplored, despite the fact that the LCDM model provides testable predictions for the number and properties of these satellites. I will present the ELVES-Dwarf survey, which aims to statistically characterize the satellite population of isolated dwarf galaxies in the Local Volume (4<D<10 Mpc). We detect satellite candidates in integrated light using existing imaging survey data, and associate satellites to the hosts by measuring their surface brightness fluctuation (SBF) distances using deeper HSC, Magellan, and Gemini imaging. Compared to the resolved-star searches and distance measurements using TRGB, the SBF distance enables the efficient discovery of satellites in a much bigger volume. I will show the first results on satellites of 8 isolated dwarf galaxies with stellar masses ranging from sub-Small Magellanic Cloud to Large Magellanic Cloud scales. Most confirmed satellites are star-forming, contrasting with the primarily quiescent satellites observed around Milky Way--mass hosts. By comparing observed satellite abundances and stellar mass functions with theoretical predictions, we find no evidence of a "missing satellite problem" in the dwarf galaxy regime. I will also discuss how to best utilize LSST and Roman data to study dwarf galaxies in the Local Volume and beyond.