Observations of The Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC)

NGC 306

Is a small open cluster 40 arc seconds in diameter.

It is located 6 arc minutes south west of NGC 299. The cluster is quite compact and has no central condensation. The surface brightness is even across the face of the cluster with no stars resolved. A 13.5 magnitude star can be seen about 10 arc seconds of the southern edge of the cluster while a pair of 12th magnitude stars frame the eastern side of the cluster 1½ arc minutes away.

Inspecting the cluster with an OIII filter revealed no nebulosity. The cluster is positioned on the edge of the main bar of the SMC, so the sky background glow has dropped. The cluster is distinct against this background glow with a well-defined edge. This cluster though similar in look to NGC 299 is fainter. The cluster should be visible in an 8" scope.