How to find NGC5861 using Scorpius

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

Follow the route from one recognizable star to the next until you reach NGC5861.

NGC5861 is only 7° above the horizon, so the view is likely to be poor. No suitable observing time was found during the next two nights.

Begin with Scorpius, then follow the reference stars toward NGC5861.

Scorpius

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

Identify Dschubba in or near Scorpius; the chart shows its position relative to the guide.

From Dschubba, move about 2.9° toward the northwest until you reach HYG 77811.0.

From HYG 77811.0, move about 6.9° toward the northwest until you reach Zubenelhakrabi.

From Zubenelhakrabi, move about 6.6° toward the northwest until you reach HYG 74488.0.

From HYG 74488.0, move about 1° toward the west until you reach NGC5861. This is the target field.