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Creators/Authors contains: "Hunter, Laura C."

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  1. Abstract We present deep optical observations of the stellar halo of NGC 300, an LMC-mass galaxy, acquired with the DEEP subcomponent of the DECam Local Volume Exploration survey using the 4 m Blanco Telescope. Our resolved star analysis reveals a large, low surface brightness stellar stream (MV ∼ −8.5; [Fe/H] = −1.4 ± 0.15) extending more than 40 kpc north from the galaxy’s center. We also find other halo structures, including potentially an additional stream wrap to the south, which may be associated with the main stream. The morphology and derived low metallicities of the streams and shells discovered surrounding NGC 300 are highly suggestive of a past accretion event. Assuming a single progenitor, the accreted system is approximately Fornax-like in luminosity, with an inferred mass ratio to NGC 300 of approximately 1:15. We also present the discovery of a metal-poor globular cluster (GC) (Rproj = 23.3 kpc;MV = −8.99 ± 0.16; [Fe/H] ≈ −1.6 ± 0.6) in the halo of NGC 300, the furthest identified GC associated with NGC 300. The stellar structures around NGC 300 represent the richest features observed in a Magellanic Cloud analog to date, strongly supporting the idea that accretion and subsequent disruption is an important mechanism in the assembly of dwarf galaxy stellar halos. 
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    Free, publicly-accessible full text available March 26, 2026
  2. Abstract We report the discovery of three faint and ultrafaint dwarf galaxies—Sculptor A, Sculptor B, and Sculptor C—in the direction of NGC 300 (D= 2.0 Mpc), a Large Magellanic Cloud–mass galaxy. Deep ground-based imaging with Gemini/GMOS resolves all three dwarf galaxies into stars, each displaying a red giant branch indicative of an old, metal-poor stellar population. No young stars or Higas are apparent, and the lack of a GALEX UV detection suggests that all three systems are quenched. Sculptor C (D= 2.04 0.13 + 0.10 Mpc;MV=  −9.1 ± 0.1 mag orLV= (3.7 0.3 + 0.4 ) × 105L) is consistent with being a satellite of NGC 300. Sculptor A (D= 1.35 0.08 + 0.22 Mpc;MV= −6.9 ± 0.3 mag orLV= (5 1 + 1 ) × 104L) is likely in the foreground of NGC 300 and at the extreme edge of the Local Group, analogous to the recently discovered ultrafaint Tucana B in terms of its physical properties and environment. Sculptor B (D= 2.48 0.24 + 0.21 Mpc;MV= −8.1 ± 0.3 mag orLV= (1.5 0.4 + 0.5 ) × 105L) is likely in the background, but future distance measurements are necessary to solidify this statement. It is also of interest due to its quiescent state and low stellar mass. Both Sculptor A and B are ≳2–4rvirfrom NGC 300 itself. The discovery of three dwarf galaxies in isolated or low-density environments offers an opportunity to study the varying effects of ram-pressure stripping, reionization, and internal feedback in influencing the star formation history of the faintest stellar systems. 
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    Free, publicly-accessible full text available December 10, 2025
  3. null (Ed.)