How to find NGC6543 using Draco

This guide uses bright stars first, then narrows the field for a telescope or binocular finder. Use Draco as the main sky landmark.

Follow the route from one recognizable star to the next until you reach NGC6543.

NGC6543 is 19° above the horizon toward the north.

Begin with Draco, then follow the reference stars toward NGC6543.

Draco

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

Identify Eltanin in or near Draco; the chart shows its position relative to the guide.

From Eltanin, move about 5.4° toward the north until you reach Grumium.

From Grumium, move about 4.2° toward the northeast until you reach HYG 89104.0.

From HYG 89104.0, move about 4° toward the north until you reach HYG 89348.0.

From HYG 89348.0, move about 2.7° toward the northwest until you reach NGC6543. This is the target field.