Is M32 actually a satellite of Andromeda?

[ajtribick]

A critical review of the evidence for M32 being a compact dwarf satellite of M31 rather than a more distant normal galaxy

Seems there is evidence both for M32 being a satellite of Andromeda (M31), and some other lines of evidence which indicate it may be a more distant galaxy. From the abstract:

We are therefore left with two apparently irreconcilable scenarios, only one of which can be correct, but both of which suffer from potentially fatal evidence to the contrary. This suggests that current understanding of some relevant fields is still very far from adequate.

[t00fri]

A critical review of the evidence for M32 being a compact dwarf satellite of M31 rather than a more distant normal galaxy

Seems there is evidence both for M32 being a satellite of Andromeda (M31), and some other lines of evidence which indicate it may be a more distant galaxy. From the abstract:

We are therefore left with two apparently irreconcilable scenarios, only one of which can be correct, but both of which suffer from potentially fatal evidence to the contrary. This suggests that current understanding of some relevant fields is still very far from adequate.

Hmm...I (quickly) cross-read most of the arguments presented. Many of them where kind of "historical" and all but compelling. The authors had rather too many arguments for a clearcut conclusion. At least to my taste

I accept that one may speculate along the lines of that paper. BUT...did it get us any further ?

Fridger