The young cluster NGC 2282: a multiwavelength perspective

We present the analysis of the stellar content of NGC 2282, a young cluster in the Monoceros constellation, using deep optical BVI and INT Photometric H alpha Survey (IPHAS) photometry along with infrared (IR) data from UKIRT Infrared Deep Sky Survey and Spitzer-IRAC. Based on the stellar surface density analysis using nearest neighbourhood method, the radius of the cluster is estimated as similar to 3.15 arcmin. From optical spectroscopic analysis of eight bright sources, we have classified three early B-type members in the cluster, which includes, HD 289120, a previously known B2V-type star, a Herbig Ae/Be star (B0.5 Ve) and a B5 V star. From spectrophotometric analyses, the distance to the cluster has been estimated as similar to 1.65 kpc. The K-band extinction map is estimated using nearest neighbourhood technique, and the mean extinction within the cluster area is found to be AV similar to 3.9 mag. Using IR colour-colour criteria and H alpha-emission properties, we have identified a total of 152 candidate young stellar objects (YSOs) in the region, of which, 75 are classified as Class II, nine are Class I YSOs. Our YSO catalogue also includes 50 H alpha-emission line sources, identified using slitless spectroscopy and IPHAS photometry data. Based on the optical and near-IR colour-magnitude diagram analyses, the cluster age has been estimated to be in the range of 2-5 Myr, which is in agreement with the estimated age from disc fraction (similar to 58 per cent). Masses of these YSOs are found to be similar to 0.1-2.0 M-circle dot. Spatial distribution of the candidate YSOs shows spherical morphology, more or less similar to the surface density map.