A possible sequential star formation in the giant molecular cloud G174+2.5

We investigate the nature of 14 embedded clusters (ECs) related to a group of four HII regions, Sh2-235, Sh2-233, Sh2-232 and Sh2-231, in the giant molecular cloud G174 + 2.5. Projected towards the Galactic anticentre, these objects are possible examples of the collect-and-collapse scenario.We derive astrophysical parameters (age, reddening, distance, core and cluster radii) for the ECs and investigate the relationship between these parameters. Parameters are derived with field-star-decontaminated 2MASS colour–magnitude diagrams (CMDs) and stellar radial density profiles. The CMDs of these young clusters are characterized by a poorly populated main sequence and a significant number of pre-main-sequence stars, affected by differential reddening. The ECs are KKC 11, FSR 784, Sh2-235 East2, Sh2-235 Cluster, Sh2-233 SE Cluster, BDSB 73, Sh2-235B Cluster, BDSB 72, BDSB 71, Sh2-232 IR Cluster, PCS 2, and the newly found clusters CBB 1 and CBB 2. We were able to derive fundamental parameters for all ECs in the sample. Structural parameters are derived for FSR 784, Sh2-235 Cluster and Sh2-235 East2