How to find NGC4631 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 NGC4631.

NGC4631 is 12° above the horizon toward the northeast.

Begin with Ursa Major, then follow the reference stars toward NGC4631.

Ursa Major

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

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

From Alkaid, move about 4.9° toward the southwest until you reach HYG 65550.0.

From HYG 65550.0, move about 4.2° toward the southwest until you reach HYG 64470.0.

From HYG 64470.0, move about 5.4° toward the southwest until you reach Cor Caroli.

From Cor Caroli, move about 5.4° toward the southwest until you reach HYG 61995.0.

From HYG 61995.0, move about 1.1° toward the south until you reach NGC4631. This is the target field.