Binary and grouped open clusters

Such systems offer valuable insight into the dynamical processes and interactions that influence cluster evolution. This study aims to detect and classify star clusters in the Milky Way that are part of double or multiple systems.

Specifically, we seek to detect clusters that form gravitationally bound pairs or groups of clusters and distinguish between different types of interactions based on their physical properties and spatial distributions. We used an extensive star cluster database which includes 7167 clusters. By estimating the tidal forces acting on each cluster through the tidal factor and considering only close neighbours (within 50pc), we identified a total of 2170 star clusters forming part of double or multiple systems.