How to find NGC1642 using Orion

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

Follow the route from one recognizable star to the next until you reach NGC1642.

NGC1642 is 50° above the horizon toward the south.

Begin with Orion, then follow the reference stars toward NGC1642.

Orion

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

Identify Mintaka in or near Orion; the chart shows its position relative to the guide.

From Mintaka, move about 2.6° toward the west until you reach HYG 25044.0.

From HYG 25044.0, move about 6.8° toward the west until you reach HYG 22840.0.

From HYG 22840.0, move about 3° toward the west until you reach NGC1642. This is the target field.