Chemical and stellar properties of star-forming dwarf galaxies

Dwarf galaxies are the least massive, most abundant and most widely distributed type of galaxy. Hence, they are key to testing theories of galaxy and Universe evolution. Dwarf galaxies sufficiently close to have their gas and stellar components studied in detail are of particular interest, because their properties and evolution can be inferred with accuracy. This Review summarizes what is known of the stellar and chemical properties of star-forming dwarf galaxies closer than similar to 20 Mpc. Given their low metallicity, high gas content and ongoing star formation, these objects are supposed to resemble the first galaxies that formed at the earliest epochs, and may thus represent a window on the distant, early Universe. We describe the major results obtained in the past decade on the star formation histories, chemical abundances, galaxy formation and evolution of star-forming dwarfs, and the uncertainties still affecting these results.

Automated summary

Dwarf galaxies are the least massive, most abundant, and widely distributed type of galaxy, playing a crucial role in testing galaxy and Universe evolution theories. Studying dwarf galaxies that are close enough to analyze their gas and stellar components allows accurate inference of their properties and evolution. Given their low metallicity, high gas content, and ongoing star formation, these objects are believed to resemble the first galaxies that formed in the early Universe.