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.Comment: To be published in PASP, Feb. 2001; also attainable from
ftp.lowell.edu, cd pub/dah/n4449pape