Observations of The Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC)

Kron 31

Andrew Murrell

Kron 31 is a large diffuse open cluster and has no central brightening.

The low surface brightness of this cluster and it 3 arc minute diameter will make this object a challenge for an 8" scope. It can be found 10 arc minutes north east of Kron 29. The brightest stars of the cluster appear to be about 14th magnitude with a slight concentration toward the northeastern edge. The cluster appears to lie on the eastern edge of the background sky as easily as some of the previous clusters. Large scopes may reveal a chain of stars headed west form the clusters southern edge.

Max Gardner

Kron 31 shows possible resolution, revealing 3 faint stars within the cluster. The cluster is quite small and hazy.