New catalogue of optically visible open clusters and candidates - version 2.0 (2004)

W. S. Dias$^{1,3}$, B. S. Alessi$^1$, A. Moitinho$^2$ and J. R. D. Lépine$^1$
$^1$Universidade de São Paulo, Dept. de Astronomia, CP 3386, São Paulo 01060-970, Brazil, $^2$CAAUL, Observatório Astronómico de Lisboa, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-018 Lisboa, Portugal, $^3$Universidade de São Paulo - SC, Departamento de Física e Informática CP 369, São Carlos, CEP 13560-970, Brazil

We have compiled a new edition of the catalogue of open clusters and candidates which updates the previous edition published in 2002 (Dias et al. 2002). The number of clusters (1690) presently known represents an important increment of about 539 objects relative to the 1987 edition of the Lynga catalogue (1151).

In this new edition (version 2.0), we do not included new open cluster or candidate in the database. Virtually all papers published after the version 1.9 of the catalogue were investigated resulting in the inclusion of new fundamental parameters, mean radial velocities and metallicities for various clusters. Corrections of coordinates, apparent diameters and names for the open clusters were performed.

The new informations are given in the link whatsnew and the references of the investigated papers are given in the file references.

This catalogue is being constantly updated and maintained in electronic form for widest possible accessibility. The latest version (2.0) can be accessed on line at http://www.astro.iag.usp.br/~wilton

For preprints, contact wilton@if.sc.usp.br or wilton@usp.br
Also available from the URL http://www.astro.iag.usp.br/~wilton