The overlapping open clusters NGC 1750 and NGC 1758

Abstract

The existence and relationship of the possible clus- ters NGC 1746, NGC 1750 and NGC 1758 has been a matter of discussion during the last decades. This star field is close to the galactic anticenter and lies in the direction of the Taurus dark cloud complex. As part of a comprehensive astrometric and photometric analysis of this zone, we present a brief historical introduction together with deep UBVRI-CCD photometry of the area. The presence of at least one cluster can be deduced from these data. This object has a position and apparent size com- patible with those previously quoted for NGC 1750 and NGC 1758. It is not possible to distinguish the single or double nature of the cluster on the sole basis of our photometry and the spatial distribution of the stars. No photometric evidence was found for NGC 1746.