| Abstract | Spectra with a resolution of ≡2 Å of the two bright, concentrated objects near the center of the peculiar galaxy NGC 1569 appear stellar. The spectral types and luminosity class are well matched to MK standards at ≡A0 Iab for object A and ≡A2 Iab for object B. The data can be explained by the addition of light of type ≡B0 to the type-A absorption spectrum. The distance to NGC 1569 is not independently known except for resolution into numerous blue stars at B = 20.2. Arguments are given for adopting m-M ≅ 29 for the distance, making objects A and B aggregates of very young stars (star clusters) of integrated luminosity MB ≅ -13 and minimum mass of ≡104. The objects would then be unique and by far the brightest star clusters yet found. The alternative of placing NGC 1569 at m-M ≈ 23 or closer and thus making particularly object A a double star with the high-temperature companion is discussed. |
