Observations of The Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC)

NGC 458

Andrew Murrell

Is a fairly large open cluster measuring 3' diameter. The cluster appears to be partially resolved and has a strong central condensation. The high surface brightness make the cluster easy to define against the sky background. No stars were visible scattered across the face with the cluster appearing to be round in shape. The bright middle of the cluster appears to be triangular shaped. The OIII filter had little effect on the object, but the triangular center of the cluster may have become brighter. This is a good cluster to track down with an 8" scope. It is located about 12' north of IC 1660.

Timo Karhula

Observed with 20x80 binoculars and described as very faint and very small.