Cluster formation toward Be87/ON2. I.

We also defined the intrinsic reddening index, R_int_, a new tool for separating intrinsically red sources from those whose infrared color excess is caused by extinction. Finally, we introduce a new method for finding young stellar objects based on R_int_. We find 571 objects whose classification is related to recent or ongoing star formation.

Together with other point sources with individual estimates of distance or extinction, we compile a catalog of 3005 objects to be used for further membership work. A new distance for Berkeley 87, (1673+/-17)pc, is estimated as a median of 13 spectroscopic members with accurate Gaia EDR3 parallaxes. The flexibility of our approach, especially regarding the R_int_ definition, allows overcoming photometric biases caused by large variations in extinction and distance, in order to obtain homogeneous catalogs of young sources.

The multiwavelength census that results from applying our methods to the Berkeley 87 / ON2 field will serve as a basis for disentangling the overlapped populations.