Our research explores the faint millimeter-wave light emitted by dust in nearby galaxies, focusing on two fascinating examples: the starburst galaxy NGC 2146 and the peculiar dwarf galaxy NGC 2976. Using cutting-edge observations from the NIKA2 camera on the IRAM 30m telescope , we studied how cold interstellar dust interacts with other galactic components, like gas and star formation. This work sheds light on how galaxies form and evolve by analyzing the unique "fingerprints" left by cold dust and the emissions in millimeter wavelengths. The study also revealed striking differences in dust properties between the two galaxies, uncovering how galaxy type impacts their interstellar environments. These findings enhance our understanding of the hidden, yet critical role that dust plays in shaping the universe.

The observed maps of NGC2146 and NGC2976 in 1.15 mm wavelength with NIKA2 camera on the IRAM 30m telescope.