An image of galaxy NGC 4449, released on November 2, 2026, became part of a large-scale study of dwarf irregular galaxies—small stellar systems containing from several thousand to hundreds of millions of stars. Using data from the Hubble Space Telescope, a NASA team of scientists studied 37 such galaxies located relatively close to the Milky Way, including NGC 4449. During the analysis, researchers discovered an anomaly: a significant portion of oxygen that should have been present in these galaxies according to existing models of stellar evolution is simply absent. Oxygen is formed in the depths of massive stars and ejected into interstellar space as a result of supernova explosions, so its deficit calls into question some understanding of the mechanisms of star formation and matter enrichment in small galaxies. Scientists propose several possible explanations for the observed phenomenon: oxygen may leave galaxies due to powerful stellar winds and supernova explosions, departing into intergalactic space, or it may be hidden in forms difficult to detect using existing observation methods. Dwarf galaxies are of particular interest to astronomers because their relatively simple structure and chemical composition allow for better understanding of the fundamental processes of formation and evolution of larger galaxies, including our Milky Way. The research continues, and scientists plan further observations to clarify the nature of this "oxygen anomaly," which may shed light on poorly understood aspects of cosmochemistry and the dynamics of the interstellar medium in small galactic systems.