Help finding M3

[Fenriz]

Hi guys

Well spent a few hours last night trying to find and image M3, but do you think I could find it. Is it going to be visible in my finderscope, and if not, how the hell do I locate and image it.

I just can't seem to find anything out there, is this something I'm going to have trouble with by not having a GOTO system.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[UTMonkey]

At around ten this evening arcturus should be quite high in the EAST (not west - what a numpty). You can't miss it.

Move slowly up at low magnification, look for a wizards hat but instead of two stars making the base of the triangle one is m3.

[UTMonkey]

Forgot to add, that I use 20x80 bins and m3 is "puff" of dust.

You should get something close to the same from your view finder.

[swamp thing]

Hi Mark

I can see it in my finder (8x50) as a fuzzy star.

So if your finder is the same size you should see it ok.

IMO the more times you use the scope the easier it will be.

Moving Equatorials to star hop is a bit of practice makes perfect I'm afraid.

Trust me you will get used to it.

Regards Steve

[Fenriz]

Thanks guys, I'll try again tonight if it stays clear.

[NGC 1502]

M3 is about halfway between Arcturus and Cor Caroli, see star map -

File:M3map.png - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I usually find it by using my low power ep, and panning to & fro across

the area. Works most times !

Regards, Ed.

[roundycat]

at ten this evening Arcturus is quite high in the East?

Dennis

[UTMonkey]

Whoops, lol - my mistake!

[Fenriz]

Well couldn't try last night, apart from quite a bit cloud about, my neighbor has gone away and left his halogen spotlight on right in the direction I want to look.

Thanks again for all you comments, did a screen capture in stellerium and printed it off, will help abit I think. Just need to get myself a cheap laptop or netbook now.