How to find NGC6231 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 NGC6231.

NGC6231 is 16° above the horizon toward the southwest.

Begin with Scorpius, then follow the reference stars toward NGC6231.

Scorpius

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

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

From Larawag, move about 6.9° toward the south until you reach HYG 82493.0.

From HYG 82493.0, move about 0.8° toward the southeast until you reach NGC6231. This is the target field.