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Our home galaxy, the Milky Way, orchestrates the movements of approximately 60 smaller galaxies. These galaxies, known as satellites, revolve around the Milky Way, similar to how the Earth orbits the Sun.

Out of these satellites, two are visible to the naked eye: the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds. The Large Magellanic Cloud, in particular, is the largest among them. However, the majority of the other satellite galaxies are so small and dim that they can only be observed through telescopes. In fact, many of these puffball-like galaxies went undiscovered until recent times.

The closest satellite galaxy to us is possibly the Canis Major Dwarf, situated around 25,000 light-years away from Earth. Nevertheless, the nature of this satellite is a subject of debate, as it is uncertain whether it is a galaxy or merely a star cluster.

The nearest confirmed satellite galaxy is the Sagittarius Dwarf, which is approximately 65,000 light-years distant. This satellite has traversed the core of the Milky Way several times, resulting in the disruption of certain stellar orbits within our larger galaxy.

Due to the gravitational pull of the Milky Way, the Sagittarius Dwarf is gradually being torn apart. Ultimately, all of its stars will merge with the Milky Way, leading to the disappearance of this member from the Milky Way’s flock of satellites.

Located in the constellation Sagittarius, which is positioned low in the southern sky during nightfall, the Sagittarius Dwarf forms the shape of a teapot with its stars. However, its visibility is obstructed by dust clouds, making it a hidden satellite of the Milky Way.

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