Observations of The Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC)

NGC395

Andrew Murrell

This is a large cluster about 5.5' across and appears to be well resolved into 13-16^th magnitude stars. It has an irregular shape with a distinct brightening toward the middle. There is a definite concentration of stars in the core of the cluster with the main axis aligned north south. The cluster is very close to NGC 371 being only 8' east. The brightest stars in the cluster trace a figure eight in the center. The RNGC list's the cluster as being involved with some nebulae, while the Matti Morel charts make no reference to nebulae at all. Observing the cluster with an 0III filter I was able to pick up some faint nebulosity about the cluster. The shape of the cluster became rounded while the fainter stars were lost. The slight central brightening also disappeared with the use of the filter but the size of the cluster increased to about 7' diameter.

Timo Karhula

Observed with 20x80 binoculars and described as pretty faint.