K-DRIFT Science Theme: Galaxies in the Faint Universe

Woowon Byun; Yongmin Yoon; Jongwan Ko; Yun Hee Lee; Gain Lee; Ho Seong Hwang; Cristiano G. Sabiu; Kwang-il Seon; Kyungwon Chun; Jihye Shin; Jinsu Rhee; Jae-Woo Kim; Jaewon Yoo; Jaehyun Lee; Sang-Hyun Chun; Hong Soo Park; Soung-Chul Yang; Sungryong Hong; Jeehye Shin; Hyowon Kim

arXiv · 2602.08283

K-DRIFT Science Theme: Galaxies in the Faint Universe

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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.

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Woowon Byun, Yongmin Yoon, Jongwan Ko, Yun Hee Lee, Gain Lee, Ho Seong Hwang, Cristiano G. Sabiu, Kwang-il Seon, Kyungwon Chun, Jihye Shin, Jinsu Rhee, Jae-Woo Kim, Jaewon Yoo, Jaehyun Lee, Sang-Hyun Chun, Hong Soo Park, Soung-Chul Yang, Sungryong Hong, Jeehye Shin, Hyowon Kim. 2026-02-09. K-DRIFT Science Theme: Galaxies in the Faint Universe. https://arxiv.org/abs/2602.08283

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