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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 30 October 2019
We present a summary of the predictions from numerical simulations to our understanding of dwarf galaxies. It centers the discussion around the Λ Cold Dark Matter scenario (ΛCDM) but discusses also implications for alternative dark matter models. Four key predictions are identified: the abundance of dwarf galaxies, their dark matter content, their relation with environment and the existence of dwarf satellites orbiting dwarf field galaxies. We discuss tensions with observations and identify the most exciting predictions expected from simulations in the future, including i) the existence of “dark galaxies” (dark matter halos without stars), ii) the ability to resolve the structure (size, morphology, dark matter distribution) in dwarfs and iii) the number of ultra-faint satellites around dwarf galaxies. All of these predictions shall inform future observations, not only the faintest galaxies to be discovered within the Local Volume but also distant dwarfs driving galaxy formation in the early universe.
Hellman Fellow