Ursa Major
Recognize the characteristic star pattern of Ursa Major before following the route.
How to find Pinwheel Galaxy (M101) 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 Pinwheel Galaxy (M101).
Pinwheel Galaxy (M101) is 18° above the horizon toward the northeast.
Begin with Ursa Major, then follow the reference stars toward Pinwheel Galaxy (M101).
Mizar
Identify Mizar in or near Ursa Major; the chart shows its position relative to the guide.
HYG 67231.0
From Mizar, move about 3.3° toward the east until you reach HYG 67231.0.
Pinwheel Galaxy (M101)
From HYG 67231.0, move about 2.4° toward the east until you reach Pinwheel Galaxy (M101). This is the target field.
