Astronomers detect first stellar stream from a globular cluster outside the Milky Way

Astronomers have detected the first stellar stream associated with a globular cluster outside the Milky Way. The structure, named Oyashio, was found in the ultra-faint galaxy UGC 9050-Dw1 and formed as tidal forces stripped stars from a dense cluster. This discovery provides researchers with a new method to estimate the mass of dark matter halos in such systems. The Oyashio Stream Stellar streams are elongated structures created when a more massive celestial body uses tidal forces to stretch and dismantle a smaller cluster or dwarf galaxy during galactic mergers. While similar phenomena have been observed within the Milky Way, this is the first time a stream linked specifically to a globular cluster has been identified in another galaxy. The Oyashio stream extends approximately 6,500 light-years in length and is notably narrower than streams produced by the destruction of entire dwarf galaxies. It is located about 8,150 light-years from the center of UGC 9050-Dw1. Associated with the stream is a globular cluster candidate with a mass not exceeding 2.5 million solar masses.