How to find NGC2686 using Ursa Major

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

Follow the route from one recognizable star to the next until you reach NGC2686.

NGC2686 is 61° above the horizon toward the northeast.

Begin with Ursa Major, then follow the reference stars toward NGC2686.

Ursa Major

Recognize the characteristic star pattern of Ursa Major before following the route.

Identify Merak in or near Ursa Major; the chart shows its position relative to the guide.

From Merak, move about 4.4° toward the west until you reach HYG 51459.0.

From HYG 51459.0, move about 5.8° toward the west until you reach HYG 48402.0.

From HYG 48402.0, move about 3.8° toward the southwest until you reach HYG 46853.0.

From HYG 46853.0, move about 6.5° toward the southwest until you reach Talitha.

From Talitha, move about 1.3° toward the northwest until you reach NGC2686. This is the target field.