Cluster 77 in NGC 4449: The nucleus of a satellite galaxy being transformed into a globular cluster?

TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery of a massive, flattened globular cluster in NGC 4449 that may be the nucleus of a disrupted satellite galaxy, showing active star formation and signs of tidal disruption.

Contribution

It presents evidence that a globular cluster in NGC 4449 is likely a galaxy nucleus in formation, providing insights into galaxy disruption processes.

Findings

The cluster is massive (~1.7 million solar masses) and highly flattened.

Active star formation has occurred in the associated tails over ~200 Myr.

The cluster's properties suggest it is a nucleus of a disrupted satellite galaxy.

Abstract

We report the discovery in our HST ACS B, V, and I images of NGC 4449 of a globular cluster (GC) which appears associated with two tails of blue stars. The cluster is massive (M~1.7x10^6 M_sun) and highly flattened (\epsilon~0.24). From the color-magnitude diagrams of the resolved stars we infer active star formation in the tails over the past ~200 Myr. In a diagram of mean projected mass density inside r_e versus total mass the cluster lies at the upper end of the GC distribution, where galaxy nuclei are. The north-west tail is associated with a concentration of HI and infrared (dust/PAHs) emission which appears as part of a much longer stream wrapping around the galaxy. These properties suggest that the cluster may be the nucleus of a former gas-rich satellite galaxy undergoing tidal disruption by NGC 4449. If so, the cluster is seen in an earlier phase compared to other suggested nuclei of disrupted galaxies such as \omega Cen (Milky Way) and G1 (M31).