Catalogue of variable stars in open cluster fields

Abstract

Context. We present the first catalogue of known variable stars in open cluster regions and with up to two times the given cluster radius. This gives basic information about the distribution of variable stars in cluster fields for the complete sky. Aims. Knowledge of the variable star contents in open clusters is a significant advantage in their study. Analysing variability of cluster members and fields stars also allows us to study the characteristics of stars and clusters together. This catalogue of variable stars in open cluster fields is the first step in supporting such studies. Methods. We took all variable and suspected variable stars into account from the most complete collection, "The AAVSO Variable Star Index", and did a cross-match of these stars with the most complete catalogue of galactic open clusters named DAML02. Results. Our on-line catalogue presently contains 18≠065 variable stars. We present the basic statistical distribution according to types of variability. © ESO, 2012.