A class of compact dwarf galaxies from disruptive processes in galaxy clusters

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Abstract
Dwarf galaxies have attracted increased attention in recent years, because of their susceptibility to galaxy transformation processes within rich galaxy clusters1,2,3. Direct evidence for these processes, however, has been difficult to obtain, with a small number of diffuse light trails4 and intra-cluster stars5,6 being the only signs of galaxy disruption. Furthermore, our current knowledge of dwarf galaxy populations may be very incomplete, because traditional galaxy surveys are insensitive to extremely diffuse or compact galaxies7. Aware of these concerns, we recently undertook an all-object survey of the Fornax galaxy cluster8. This revealed a new population of compact members9,10, overlooked in previous conventional surveys. Here we demonstrate that these ‘ultra-compact’ dwarf galaxies are structurally and dynamically distinct from both globular star clusters and known types of dwarf galaxy, and thus represent a new class of dwarf galaxy. Our data are consistent with the interpretation that these are the remnant nuclei of disrupted dwarf galaxies, making them an easily observed tracer of galaxy disruption.

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