New infrared object in the field of the SMC cluster NGC 330

Abstract

We report ISO (Infrared Space Observatory) observations of a new infrared source discovered in the vicinity of the young populous cluster NGC 330 in the Small Magellanic Cloud. The object was observed with ISOCAM at 4.5, 6.75 and 11.5 mu m and shows a prominent mid-infrared excess, indicating the presence of a dust shell. The available observations of the optical counterpart together with the mid-infrared ISOCAM data suggest that this object is most likely a post-AGB star, or a Be supergiant. Cluster membership and candidate evolutionary scenarios are discussed briefly. Based on observations with ISO, an ESA project with instruments funded by ESA Member States (especially the PI countries: France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom) and with the participation of ISAS and NASA.