Characterization of the Young Open Cluster G144.9+0.4 in the Camelopardalis OB1 Association

TL;DR

This study characterizes the young star cluster G144.9+0.4 in the Camelopardalis OB1 association, revealing its age, membership, and ongoing star formation activity based on star counts, photometry, and proper motion data.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed characterization of G144.9+0.4, including its association with Cam OB1, age, and new OB star candidates, highlighting ongoing star formation.

Findings

Cluster is physically associated with Cam OB1 at ~1 kpc.

Identified 91 new OB star candidates in the region.

Star formation has been ongoing for the last 10-15 Myr.

Abstract

Our star-count analysis of the Two Micron All Sky Survey point sources resulted in an identification of the star cluster G144.9+0.4. The cluster was found, but not characterized, by Glushkova et al. We show that the cluster is physically associated with the Cam OB1 association at a distance of about 1 kpc and with an age of 1-2 Myr. Pre-main sequence stars are identified on the basis of photometric and proper motion data. A total of 91 additional OB star candidates was found in subgroups 1A and 1B, a significant increase from the currently known 43 OB stars. The OB members show an age spread that indicates a sustained star formation for at least the last 10-15 Myr. The young cluster G144.9+0.4 represents the latest episode of sequential star formation in this cloud complex.