Abstract
In this study the current phenomenological understanding of the Northern Monoceros region is reviewed. In particular, the largest young open clusters in the area, NGC 2244 and NGC 2264, are critically studied in order to determine their origins, evolution, and similarities. The author presents new determinations of the cluster radii, ages, and total masses. Mean cluster radial velocities are derived as +33.7±3.0 km s-1 for NGC 2244 and +20.9±5.1 km s-1 for NGC 2264. A rough estimate of the star formation efficiencies in the region is also included, as well as a discussion of their kinematics and locations in the spiral arms of the Galaxy.
