How to find NGC6397 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 NGC6397.

NGC6397 is below the horizon at the selected time. No suitable observing time was found during the next two nights.

Begin with Scorpius, then follow the reference stars toward NGC6397.

Scorpius

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

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

From Sargas, move about 6.4° toward the south until you reach HYG 86486.0.

From HYG 86486.0, move about 2.5° toward the south until you reach Cervantes.

From Cervantes, move about 1.9° toward the south until you reach NGC6397. This is the target field.