New research suggests a hidden ancient dwarf galaxy, dubbed “Loki,” may be buried within the Milky Way.

Astronomers believe it was absorbed billions of years ago as our galaxy grew, based on chemical traces found in a group of 20 metal-poor stars in the galactic plane.

These stars show evidence of early cosmic explosions like supernovas and neutron star mergers, but lack signs of white dwarf activity, indicating the original galaxy was short-lived.

Their mixed orbital directions suggest they were disrupted during an early, chaotic merger with the Milky Way, Futurism has reported.

If confirmed, Loki would provide insight into how small galaxies formed and were incorporated into larger ones in the early universe.