Dark Matter Deficient Galaxy FCC 224 Challenges Standard Cosmological Theories

Astronomers have discovered a galaxy, named FCC 224, that appears to defy conventional cosmological understanding. Located approximately 60-65 million light-years away within the Fornax Cluster, FCC 224 surprisingly exhibits a significant lack of dark matter, which is typically considered essential for a galaxy's structural integrity.

FCC 224 is classified as an ultra-diffuse galaxy, characterized by its large size and sparsely distributed stars. Observations utilizing the Hubble Space Telescope and the Keck Observatory's KCWI instrument have revealed peculiar movements of stars and star clusters within the galaxy.

The velocities of these stars and clusters are notably uniform, suggesting a minimal gravitational influence within FCC 224. This uniformity challenges the standard cosmological model, which posits that a galaxy's mass dictates the internal velocities of its constituents. The observed low velocity dispersion strongly implies a scarcity of dark matter, contradicting established expectations and prompting a reevaluation of current cosmological theories.

This intriguing discovery indicates that dark matter-deficient galaxies might be more prevalent than previously believed. Further research and analysis of FCC 224 and similar galaxies could provide valuable insights into the nature and distribution of dark matter, potentially leading to a refined understanding of galaxy formation and evolution.