LITTLE THINGS dwarf irregular galaxies FUV regions

We use these data, obtained with the Galaxy Evolution Explorer satellite, to determine the furthest radius at which in situ star formation can currently be identified. The FUV knots are found at distances from the center of the galaxies of 1-8 disk scale lengths and have ages of =<20 Myr and masses of 20 M_{sun}_ to 1x10^5^ M_{sun}_.

The presence of young clusters and OB associations in the outer disks of dwarf galaxies shows that dIrrs do have star formation taking place there in spite of the extreme nature of the environment. Most regions are found where the H I surface density is ~1 M_{sun}_/pc^2^, though both the H I and dispersed old stars go out much further. This limiting density suggests a cutoff in the ability to form distinct OB associations and perhaps even stars.