  The detection of magnetic chemically peculiar (CP2) stars in open clusters of
the Milky Way can be used to study the influence of different galactic
environments on the (non-)presence of peculiarities, which has to be taken into
account in stellar evolution models. Furthermore it is still unknown if the CP2
phenomenon evolves, i.e. does the strength of the peculiarity feature at 5200A,
increase or decrease with age. We have observed eight young to intermediate age
open clusters in the Delta a photometric system. This intermediate band
photometric system samples the depth of the 5200A, flux depression by comparing
the flux at the center with the adjacent regions having bandwidths of 110A, to
230A. The Delta a photometric system is most suitable to detect CP2 stars with
high efficiency, but is also capable of detecting a small percentage of
non-magnetic CP objects. Also, the groups of (metal-weak) lambda Bootis, as
well as classical Be/shell stars, can be successfully investigated. This
photometric system allows one to determine the age, reddening and distance
modulus by fitting isochrones. Among the presented sample of eight galactic
clusters, we have detected twenty three CP2, eight Be/Ae and eight metal-weak
stars. Another six objects show a peculiar behaviour which is most probably due
to a non-membership,variability or duplicity. Fitting isochrones to Delta a
photometry yields estimates of the age, reddening and distance that are in
excellent agreement with published values.
