How to find NGC3242 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 NGC3242.

NGC3242 is 12° above the horizon toward the southeast.

Begin with Leo, then follow the reference stars toward NGC3242.

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 3.6° toward the southeast until you reach HYG 47427.0.

From HYG 47427.0, move about 6.7° toward the southeast until you reach HYG 49402.0.

From HYG 49402.0, move about 6.3° toward the southeast until you reach HYG 51069.0.

From HYG 51069.0, move about 1.8° toward the south until you reach NGC3242. This is the target field.