How to find NGC5996 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 NGC5996.

NGC5996 is 16° above the horizon toward the northwest.

Begin with Ursa Major, then follow the reference stars toward NGC5996.

Ursa Major

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

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

From Alphecca, move about 6.9° toward the southeast until you reach HYG 77661.0.

From HYG 77661.0, move about 2.9° toward the south until you reach Gudja.

From Gudja, move about 0.5° toward the southwest until you reach NGC5996. This is the target field.