How to find NGC1996 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 NGC1996.

NGC1996 is 12° above the horizon toward the northeast.

Begin with Taurus, then follow the reference stars toward NGC1996.

Taurus

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

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

From Elnath, move about 2.9° toward the southeast until you reach HYG 26396.0.

From HYG 26396.0, move about 1.1° toward the south until you reach NGC1996. This is the target field.