Learn To Star Hop - It's Easy!

[Mr Q]

Baz - In most cases, when observers use a star atlas, seldom are the directions E and W considered as the charts reflect what the sky looks like. But when someone gives directions on how to get to an object from a given star, then the reverse directions come into play.

When following directions to locate any object just remember that E and W are reversed and when looking at the charts, E is to the right and W is to the left while N is up (towards the North Star) and S towards the southern horizon.

[LukeSkywatcher]

I really only ever star hop even though i have a Go-To scope. Its what i have learned to do and have used for over 30 yrs. I like the night sky to be orientated the same way as star charts etc so i use an erect prism in my scope(s).

[Mr Q]

Baz - In most cases, when observers use a star atlas, seldom are the directions E and W considered as the charts reflect what the sky looks like. But when someone gives directions on how to get to an object from a given star, then the reverse directions come into play.

When following directions to locate any object just remember that E and W are reversed and when looking at the charts, E is to the right and W is to the left while N is up (towards the North Star) and S towards the southern horizon.

Wow! No one caught the error on the E and W statement. It should be "when looking at a star map, E is to the left and W to the right with N up and S down"