A possible sequential star formation in the giant molecular cloud G174+2.5

Abstract

We investigate the nature of 14 embedded clusters (ECs) related to a group of four H II regions Sh2-235, Sh2-233, Sh2-232, and Sh2-231 in the giant molecular cloud G174 + 2.5. Projected towards the Galactic anticentre, these objects are a possible example of the collect and collapse scenario. We derive astrophysical parameters (age, reddening, distance, core and cluster radii) for the ECs and investigate the relationship among their parameters. Parameters are derived with field decontaminated 2MASS colour-magnitude diagrams (CMDs) and stellar radial density profiles (RDPs). The CMDs of these young clusters are characterised by a poorly-populated main sequence and a significant number of pre-main sequence stars, affected by differential reddening. The ECs are KKC 11, FSR 784, Sh2-235 E2, Sh2-235 Cluster, Sh2-233SE Cluster, BDSB 73, Sh2-235B Cluster, BDSB 72, BDSB 71, Sh2-232 IR, PCS 2, and the newly found clusters CBB 1 and CBB 2. We were able to derive fundamental parameters for all ECs in the sample. Structural parameters are derived for FSR 784, Sh2-235 Cluster and Sh2-235E2.