Open clusters within 1.8 kpc of the Sun

Based on an almost complete sample of Galactic open star clusters within 1.8kpc, we perform a comprehensive statistical analysis of various cluster parameters like spatial position, age, size, mass and extinction in order to understand the general properties of the open cluster system in the Galaxy and the Galactic structure. Based on the distribution of 1241 open clusters about the Galactic plane and in different age bins, we find the average Galactic scale height as Zh=60+/-2pc for the youngest cluster population having Age<700Myr, however, it increases up to 64+/-2pc when we also include older population of clusters.

The solar offset is found to be 6.2+/-1.1pc above the formal Galactic plane. We derive a local mass density of {rho}_0_=0.090+/-0.005M_{sun}_/pc^3^ and found a negligibly small amount of dark matter in the solar neighbourhood. The reddening in the direction of clusters suggests a strong correlation with their vertical distance from the Galactic plane having a respective slope of dE(B-V)/dz=0.40+/-0.04 and 0.42+/-0.05 mag/kpc below and above the GP.