A dwarf galaxy is a small galaxy composed of about 1000 up to several billion stars, as compared to the Milky Way's 200–400 billion stars.[1] The Large Magellanic Cloud, which closely orbits the Milky Way and contains over 30 billion stars,[2] is sometimes classified as a dwarf galaxy; others consider it a full-fledged galaxy. Dwarf galaxies' formation and activity are thought to be heavily influenced by interactions with larger galaxies. Astronomers identify numerous types of dwarf galaxies, based on their shape and composition.
- ^ "The Milky Way Galaxy". www.messier.seds.org. Retrieved 22 June 2023.
- ^ "The Magellanic Clouds, our galactic neighbors". earthsky.org. 8 December 2021. Retrieved 22 June 2023.