Asterisms identification using astrometric data

Abstract

We studied the regions of Collinder 399, Upgren 1 and Melotte 227 classified as asterisms in the published literature. Stellar positions and proper motions from the UCAC2 and the UCAC2 Brigth Star Supplement astrometric catalogues were used. The Vasilevskis-Sanders method, modified by the stellar density, was applied to confirm the nature of these star groups.