"Hidden Companion: Second Galaxy Discovered Behind Milky Way Neighbor"

Astronomers have discovered that the Small Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way, is actually composed of two galaxies, one behind the other. Using the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder and ESA's Gaia spacecraft, researchers observed distinct movements and compositions in gas clouds and young stars, suggesting the presence of two separate stellar nurseries. This finding challenges previous perceptions of the Small Magellanic Cloud's structure and may lead to a reevaluation of its name and classification. The research, led by Claire Murray, awaits publication in The Astrophysical Journal.