Finding dimmer constellations?

[Manok101]

I've noticed that in my area that certain constellations are only visible by telescope or binocs and I was wondering if there were any tips on figuring out if you were indeed seeing what you thought you were?

[saberscorpx]

hi manok101

one way is to locate it on a starchart or astro program relative to the stars that were available.

another, of course, is to confirm it under darker skies.

saber does the stars at

www.astronomyblogs.com/saberscorpx

[NGC 1502]

Post #2 has it. Using a basic star chart, work your way from stars and

constellations that you can see, to fill in the gaps. You can then use the

binos to find fainter parts of those constellations.

A basic star chart showing large parts of the sky (a planisphere would be

good ) is better for this purpose than a more detailed guide.

It's a good way to learn the sky, before you get a telescope.

Best regards, Ed.

[russ]

Well worth taking a drive with the binoculars to a dark spot in the country and seeing those fainter constellations. It's amazing just how many stars appear, and how easy it is to lose your way in the sky because there are too many stars.