How to find NGC2986 using Leo

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

Follow the route from one recognizable star to the next until you reach NGC2986.

NGC2986 is 13° above the horizon toward the southeast.

Begin with Leo, then follow the reference stars toward NGC2986.

Leo

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

Identify Alphard in or near Leo; the chart shows its position relative to the guide.

From Alphard, move about 6.5° toward the southeast until you reach HYG 47452.0.

From HYG 47452.0, move about 6.1° toward the south until you reach HYG 47698.0.

From HYG 47698.0, move about 0.9° toward the south until you reach NGC2986. This is the target field.