How to find M5 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 M5.

M5 is 11° above the horizon toward the west.

Begin with Ursa Major, then follow the reference stars toward M5.

Ursa Major

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

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

From Arcturus, move about 6.6° toward the southeast until you reach HYG 71762.0.

From HYG 71762.0, move about 5.4° toward the southeast until you reach HYG 73028.0.

From HYG 73028.0, move about 4.4° toward the southeast until you reach HYG 74016.0.

From HYG 74016.0, move about 4.7° toward the southeast until you reach HYG 74649.0.

From HYG 74649.0, move about 3° toward the south until you reach M5. This is the target field.