How to find IC1261 using Ursa Major

This guide uses bright stars first, then narrows the field for a telescope or binocular finder. Use Ursa Major as the main sky landmark.

Follow the route from one recognizable star to the next until you reach IC1261.

IC1261 is 13° above the horizon toward the northwest.

Begin with Ursa Major, then follow the reference stars toward IC1261.

Ursa Major

Recognize the characteristic star pattern of Ursa Major before following the route.

Identify Kochab in or near Ursa Major; the chart shows its position relative to the guide.

From Kochab, move about 5.9° toward the east until you reach HYG 79601.0.

From HYG 79601.0, move about 3° toward the east until you reach HYG 82880.0.

From HYG 82880.0, move about 2.8° toward the southeast until you reach IC1261. This is the target field.