Finding your way around the sky when you are looking through binoculars or a telescope can be a nightmare, as you are looking at a very small part of the sky. If you’re searching for a particular object, a star cluster for example, it can seem nigh on impossible. But if you use a traditional method and are systematic in your approach, you’ll soon discover you can find your targets easily and have fun on the way.
Before the advent of computerized ‘goto’ systems on telescopes, astronomers had to find interesting objects to look at the hard way. It didn’t take them long to work out that by using a simple system it was possible to do this reliably every time. It’s known as star hopping, literally hopping from one view to an adjacent view to track down a desired object. In order to use it, you’ll need to get to grips with a couple of things and have some equipment to hand.
First of all you’ll need a star chart, preferably one which shows stars and objects clearly and accurately. There are several of these available which should fit the bill, or alternatively you may have some software from which you can print star charts. You’ll also need a red light torch so you can read the chart in the dark.
It can be helpful to create a field of view template to use with your star chart. You can do this with just a few square centimeters of clear plastic and by using a drawing compass and felt tip pen.
To find a target, start with a bright or easily recognizable star in the middle of the field of view. Note the stars at the edge of the field heading towards your quarry. Move the scope so that the stars at that edge of the field are now seen near the other. Keep heading towards your target by doing this until you find it. You’re likely to find lots of other interesting things on your journey.