Burçin's Galaxy: A Mysterious Cosmic Phenomenon

What happens when science can’t explain what you’ve found? While completing her PhD at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Burçin Mutlu-Pakdil made an incredible discovery—an extremely rare galaxy unlike anything observed before. Now known as Burçin’s Galaxy, this mysterious structure challenges existing theories of galaxy formation and leaves scientists asking: Why does it exist? Watch as Dr. Mutlu-Pakdil shares the story behind her discovery and how it’s changing what we know about the universe.

Meet the women changing the face of STEM! The IF/THEN Collection, now proudly housed at the Museum of Science, Boston, is the world’s largest free digital library showcasing real, contemporary women in science, technology, engineering, and math. From groundbreaking researchers to space explorers, these role models prove that if she can see it, she can be it. Explore videos featuring behind-the-scenes interviews, and hands-on STEM inspiration for students, educators, and lifelong learners.

This project is funded by Lyda Hill Philanthropies.

Astrophysicist Burçin Mutlu-Pakdil studies the most peculiar objects in the Universe. Her research has led to a discovery of an extremely rare galaxy, which is now commonly referred to as Burçin’s Galaxy. Her work has provided the first description of a double-ringed elliptical galaxy, introducing new challenges for our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution. She is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Arizona. She uses the world’s largest telescopes to study the smallest galaxies as a novel test of the Cold Dark Matter paradigm. She has been honored as a 2018 Ted Fellow and 2020 Senior Ted Fellow, and featured in National Geographic as a “woman of impact”. Her findings have been featured by CNN, Science Daily, Astronomy Magazine, Independent and MPR News, among many others. Damon Brown wrote in his regular Inc. Magazine online column: “Many organizations are dedicated to filling the STEM pipeline with more girls and women. Others are supporting the cause by being an example. TED Fellow Burçin is representing by being one of the most notable astrophysicists today.”

See the full IF/THEN Collection.