NGC 2587: a sparse open cluster projected on to a populous star field

We present CCD photometry in the Johnson U , B and V and Kron–Cousins I passbands for the open cluster NGC 2587. The sample consists of 4406 stars reaching down to   V ～ 21.0  . We developed a new method to clean statistically the colour–magnitude diagrams. NGC 2587 appears to be a sparse, relatively bright open cluster, with a few tens of members projected on to a populous star field. The comparatively bright F7/8 II type star HD 70927, located close to the cluster centre, seems not to be a member. Our analysis suggests that NGC 2587 is slightly younger than the Hyades and probably of solar metallicity. A cluster radius of roughly 8 arcmin was estimated from the radial stellar density profile. From 18 probable cluster members with measured proper motions, we derive the following mean values for NGC 2587:  μ_α=?4.3 ± 3.6 mas yr^?1  and  μ_δ=?2.5 ± 3.4 mas yr^?1  . Adopting the theoretical metal content   Z = 0.02  , which provides the best global fit, we derive a cluster age of  500⁺⁶⁰_?50  . Simultaneously, colour excesses   E ( B ? V ) = 0.10  and   E ( V ? I ) = 0.15  and an apparent distance modulus of   V ? M_V = 12.50  are obtained. The interstellar extinction in the cluster direction is found to follow the normal law. NGC 2587 is located at a distance of (2.70 ± 0.70) kpc from the Sun and ～9.8 kpc from the Galactic centre.