How to find M68 using Leo

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

Follow the route from one recognizable star to the next until you reach M68.

M68 is below the horizon at the selected time. No suitable observing time was found during the next two nights.

Begin with Leo, then follow the reference stars toward M68.

Leo

Recognize the characteristic star pattern of Leo before following the route.

Identify Spica in or near Leo; the chart shows its position relative to the guide.

From Spica, move about 6° toward the southwest until you reach HYG 64407.0.

From HYG 64407.0, move about 4.8° toward the southwest until you reach HYG 63738.0.

From HYG 63738.0, move about 5.6° toward the southwest until you reach HYG 62448.0.

From HYG 62448.0, move about 2.7° toward the southwest until you reach M68. This is the target field.