Sagittarius
Recognize the characteristic star pattern of Sagittarius before following the route.
How to find Lagoon Nebula (M8) using Sagittarius
This guide uses bright stars first, then narrows the field for a telescope or binocular finder. Use Sagittarius as the main sky landmark.
Follow the route from one recognizable star to the next until you reach Lagoon Nebula (M8).
Lagoon Nebula (M8) is 18° above the horizon toward the southwest.
Begin with Sagittarius, then follow the reference stars toward Lagoon Nebula (M8).
Kaus Australis
Identify Kaus Australis in or near Sagittarius; the chart shows its position relative to the guide.
Kaus Media
From Kaus Australis, move about 4.6° toward the north until you reach Kaus Media.
HYG 88469.0
From Kaus Media, move about 6.7° toward the northwest until you reach HYG 88469.0.
Lagoon Nebula (M8)
From HYG 88469.0, move about 0° toward the southwest until you reach Lagoon Nebula (M8). This is the target field.
