K-DRIFT Science Theme: Galaxies in the Faint Universe

TL;DR

This paper introduces the K-DRIFT telescope designed to detect low-surface-brightness features in galaxies, aiming to deepen understanding of galaxy formation and evolution through ultra-deep optical observations.

Contribution

The paper presents the specifications of the novel K-DRIFT telescope and discusses its potential to explore faint galaxy structures and star formation in low-surface-brightness regimes.

Findings

Design specifications of K-DRIFT telescope.

Potential to detect ultra-faint galaxy features.

Framework for future LSB galaxy studies.

Abstract

Low-surface-brightness (LSB) structures serve as evidence of the intricate mass assembly of galaxies, and dedicatedly studying them promises to give us profound insights into the evolutionary history of galaxies. Furthermore, delving into the properties of star formation (SF) in the LSB regime can broaden our understanding of SF activity in regions characterized by low surface gas density, thereby shedding light on fundamental cosmic processes. However, systematic uncertainties may hamper the exploration of the LSB universe by limiting detectable SB levels. Indeed, despite dedicated advancements in telescope and observing techniques over decades, achieving ultra-deep photometric depths in optical wavelengths remains a formidable challenge. To overcome this challenge and explore the LSB universe that we have yet to see, we have been developing a novel telescope called K-DRIFT. This paper outlines the telescope's specification and describes various LSB features we aim for, explicitly focusing on nearby individual galaxies. To further advance the capabilities of the K-DRIFT survey, focused on LSB detection, we present several feasible research topics that utilize other survey data together and discuss the role of LSB observation in understanding the evolution of galaxies.