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Vera C. Rubin Observatory detects one of the smallest and faintest satellite galaxies ever seen

Written and edited by the WorldPing NewsdeskPublished Updated Original reporting: Live Science
Vera C. Rubin Observatory detects one of the smallest and faintest satellite galaxies ever seenWorldPing
Image via Live Science.

What happened

Astronomers looking at Vera C.

Rubin Observatory test data have discovered 'Aquarius IV', believed to be a brand new satellite galaxy of the Milky Way located 350,000 light-years away.

Key facts

  • Rubin Observatory test data have discovered 'Aquarius IV', believed to be a brand new satellite galaxy of the Milky Way located 350,000 light-years away.
  • Reported by Live Science and published Tue, 22 Sep 2026 17:12:25 UTC.

Why it matters

Research findings and mission results set the evidence base that policy, funding and later discoveries build on.

What to watch next

  • Peer review status and replication of the findings
  • Mission milestones and next scheduled attempt
  • Funding or policy decisions that follow

Coverage timeline

When each newsroom published on this story, oldest first — all times UTC.

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Sources

The original report was published by Live Science. WorldPing does not claim that reporting — this page summarises and contextualises it.

Read the full report at Live Science

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