A Comparative Study of Satellite Galaxies in the Milky Way and Andromeda

Abstract

     We investigate satellite galaxies orbiting the Milky Way (MW) and Andromeda galaxies (M31). This provides new and important information about the evolutionary history of galaxies in the Local Group. We study the dynamics of these galaxies, stellar mass, luminosity, and metallic composition to reveal changes resulting from their formation history and the influences of their surrounding environment. The stellar mass distribution of the M31's satellites shows a clear tendency for them to be more massive than those of the MW's satellites, despite the general similarity in metallicity distributions. This may be due to more efficient star formation in the early stages or because some star formation processes were less affected by tidal disruption. The Andromeda's satellites exhibit a clear gradient in mass and metallicity composition, indicating the influence of external environments. Furthermore, the M31 system shows a wider variation in the relationship between absolute magnitude and stellar mass, which may indicate a more complex dynamic history resulting from additional mergers and dynamic friction. These results are consistent with the environmental framework that the host galaxy uses to influence the properties of its satellite galaxies, and demonstrate important cosmological constraints.