New infrared star clusters in the southern Milky Way with 2MASS

Abstract

We carried out a 2MASS J, H and Ks survey of infrared star clusters in the Milky Way sector 230° < ℓ < 350°. This zone was the least studied in the literature, previously including only 12 infrared clusters or stellar groups with |b| < 10°, according to the recent catalogue by Bica et al. (2003). We concentrated efforts on embedded clusters, which are those expected in the areas of known radio and optical nebulae. The present study provides 179 new infrared clusters and stellar groups, which are interesting targets for detailed future infrared studies. The sample of catalogued infrared clusters and stellar groups in the Galaxy is now increased by 63%.