How to find NGC6539 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 NGC6539.

NGC6539 is 37° above the horizon toward the southwest.

Begin with Scorpius, then follow the reference stars toward NGC6539.

Scorpius

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

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

From Sabik, move about 1.5° toward the east until you reach HYG 84481.0.

From HYG 84481.0, move about 6.5° toward the east until you reach HYG 86565.0.

From HYG 86565.0, move about 5.3° toward the northeast until you reach HYG 88048.0.

From HYG 88048.0, move about 2.6° toward the northeast until you reach NGC6539. This is the target field.