Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2000-10-25
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
To be published in PASP, Feb. 2001; also attainable from ftp.lowell.edu, cd pub/dah/n4449paper
Scientific paper
10.1086/318613
We examine the star clusters in the irregular galaxy NGC 4449. We use a near-infrared spectrum and broad-band images taken with the HST to place a limit of 8--15 Myrs on the age of the bright central ojbect in NGC 4449. Its luminosity and size suggest that it is comparable to young super star clusters. However, there is a peculiar nucleated-bar structure at the center of this star cluster, and we suggest that this structure is debris from the interaction that has produced the counter-rotating gas systems and extended gas streamers in the galaxy. From the images we identify 60 other candidate compact star clusters in NGC 4449. Fourteen of these could be background elliptical galaxies or old globular star clusters. Of the star clusters, three, in addition to the central object, are potentially super star clusters, and many others are comparable to the populous clusters found in the LMC. The star clusters span a large range in ages with no obvious peak in cluster formation that might be attributed to the interaction that the galaxy has experienced.
Gallagher Jay S.
Gelatt Andrea E.
Hunter Deidre Ann
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