How to find NGC6173 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 NGC6173.

NGC6173 is 17° above the horizon toward the northwest.

Begin with Ursa Major, then follow the reference stars toward NGC6173.

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 5.8° toward the northeast until you reach HYG 77397.0.

From HYG 77397.0, move about 6.4° toward the northeast until you reach HYG 79119.0.

From HYG 79119.0, move about 3.9° toward the northeast until you reach HYG 80008.0.

From HYG 80008.0, move about 2.2° toward the northeast until you reach NGC6173. This is the target field.