How to find NGC5856 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 NGC5856.

NGC5856 is 21° above the horizon toward the west.

Begin with Ursa Major, then follow the reference stars toward NGC5856.

Ursa Major

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

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

From Izar, move about 3.4° toward the south until you reach HYG 72567.0.

From HYG 72567.0, move about 6.8° toward the southeast until you reach HYG 74000.0.

From HYG 74000.0, move about 0° toward the northwest until you reach NGC5856. This is the target field.