How to find M74 using Taurus

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

Follow the route from one recognizable star to the next until you reach M74.

M74 is 18° above the horizon toward the east.

Begin with Taurus, then follow the reference stars toward M74.

Taurus

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

Identify Hamal in or near Taurus; the chart shows its position relative to the guide.

From Hamal, move about 3.9° toward the southwest until you reach Sheratan.

From Sheratan, move about 5.7° toward the southwest until you reach HYG 7740.0.

From HYG 7740.0, move about 0.9° toward the southwest until you reach M74. This is the target field.