Abstract
BV observations of an approximately 68′×48′ field centered on the open cluster NGC 2281 and covering more than 400 nights from 2013 to 2018 are presented. The photometric observations were transformed to the standard system using standards from the American Association of Variable Star Observers Photometric All-sky Survey (APASS) DR10 and analyzed with Gaia DR2 parallaxes and proper motions to determine the distance, age, and metallicity of the cluster. The discovery of an eclipsing binary in the field is discussed.
Highlights
Modern all-sky surveys are powering rapid changes in our knowledge of astronomical objects
AAVSO Photometric All Sky Survey (APASS) is a photometric survey in the Johnson BV and Sloan Digital Sky Survey g r i passbands, covering the 10th to 17th magnitude range
In preparation for the unique dataset that Gaia would provide and to look for variable stars in clusters, we began a program of photometric monitoring of bright open clusters with small telescopes to improve on the existing observations
Summary
Modern all-sky surveys are powering rapid changes in our knowledge of astronomical objects. Gaia is providing parallaxes and proper motions of unprecedented accuracy and number, as well as broadband photometry, over a similar range of magnitudes, making the two surveys quite complementary. While both surveys are still in progress, early data releases have given the community the opportunity to begin using both catalogs, and the response has been enthusiastic. In preparation for the unique dataset that Gaia would provide and to look for variable stars in clusters, we began a program of photometric monitoring of bright open clusters with small telescopes to improve on the existing observations. We use Gaia parallaxes and proper motions, and provide photometry of cluster members down to V ≈ 16.0
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