Leo V (dwarf galaxy)

Leo V, also known as Leo V dSph, is a dwarf spheroidal galaxy located in the constellation Leo. It was discovered in 2008 by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and is one of the faintest and most distant dwarf galaxies orbiting the Milky Way.

Leo V is estimated to be approximately 180,000 parsecs (580,000 light-years) away from the Sun. This places it at the outer fringes of the Milky Way's halo. Its low luminosity and diffuse nature make it difficult to observe.

The galaxy's stellar population is primarily old, with a metallicity significantly lower than that of the Sun, indicating that it formed early in the universe and has experienced little subsequent star formation. There is little to no ongoing star formation within Leo V.

Interestingly, Leo V is located near the larger Leo I dwarf galaxy. Some research suggests a possible past interaction between the two galaxies, with Leo V potentially tidally disrupting due to the gravitational influence of Leo I. However, the exact nature of their relationship remains under investigation.

The study of Leo V, along with other dwarf spheroidal galaxies, provides valuable insights into galaxy formation, the distribution of dark matter, and the hierarchical structure of the universe. These faint galaxies are thought to be building blocks of larger galaxies like the Milky Way.