New catalogue of optically visible open clusters and candidates ^*

¹ Universidade de São Paulo, Dept. de Astronomia, CP 3386, São Paulo 01060-970, Brazil
² Observatorio Astronómico Nacional, UNAM, Apdo. Postal 877, CP 22800, Ensenada B.C., México

Corresponding author: W. S. Dias, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Received: 14 March 2002
Accepted: 15 April 2002

Abstract

We have compiled a new catalogue of open clusters in the Galaxy which updates the previous catalogues of Lyngå ([CITE]) and of Mermilliod ([CITE]) (included in the WEBDA database). New objects and new data, in particular, data on kinematics (proper motions) that were not present in the old catalogues, have been included. Virtually all the clusters (1537) presently known were included, which represents an increment of about 347 objects relative to the Lyngå ([CITE]) catalogue. The catalogue is presented in a single table containing all the important data, which makes it easy to use. The catalogue can be accessed on line either at http://www.astro.iag.usp.br/~wilton/ or as an electronic table which will be made available at the CDS.