# STREAMFINDER I: A New Algorithm for detecting Stellar Streams

**Authors:** Khyati Malhan, Rodrigo Ibata  
**arXiv:** [1804.11338](https://arxiv.org/abs/1804.11338)  
**Date:** 2018-04-30  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/1804.11338v1/

## Key points

- Authors Khyati Malhan and Rodrigo Ibata introduce the STREAMFINDER algorithm for detecting stellar streams
- STREAMFINDER is designed to identify dynamically cold and thin stream structures in Galactic surveys
- The algorithm uses positional and kinematic information to detect even ultra-faint stream features
- Simulations show that STREAMFINDER can detect distant halo stream structures exceeding 10 degrees in length with approximately 15 members
- The algorithm's sensitivity corresponds to a surface brightness of approximately 33.6 magnitudes per square arcsecond in the Gaia dataset
- The study highlights how STREAMFINDER enhances our ability to detect and characterize stellar streams, contributing to a deeper understanding of the Milky Way galaxy's dynamics and structure

## Summary

In their paper titled "STREAMFINDER I: A New Algorithm for detecting Stellar Streams," authors Khyati Malhan and Rodrigo Ibata introduce a powerful new algorithm designed to detect stellar streams in a systematic and automated manner. The algorithm, known as STREAMFINDER, is specifically tailored to identify dynamically cold and thin stream structures that may follow simple or complex orbits within Galactic stellar surveys. By utilizing a combination of positional and kinematic information, the algorithm demonstrates its effectiveness in detecting even ultra-faint stream features that were previously beyond detection limits. The authors provide a comprehensive overview of the STREAMFINDER algorithm, outlining its underlying principles, methodology for stream detection, and detailed workings through simulations of mock Galactic survey data. These simulations closely resemble the quality expected from the ESA/Gaia mission, showcasing the algorithm's capability to identify distant halo stream structures exceeding 10 degrees in length with as few as approximately 15 members. This level of sensitivity corresponds to a surface brightness of approximately 33.6 magnitudes per square arcsecond in the Gaia dataset. Overall, the study highlights the significant advancements brought about by the STREAMFINDER algorithm in enhancing our ability to detect and characterize stellar streams in galactic surveys. The findings underscore its potential to uncover previously elusive stream features, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding of the dynamics and structure of our Milky Way galaxy.