Star hopping takes practice, follow our guide to learn the basics
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When you first start star hopping, go for just a few targets well within the light grasp of your telescope. With each hop, determine which stars you can see through your telescope or binoculars that match the ones on your star chart. When hopping several fields of view, try to place a star at one side of the field into the other. This will help you in not losing your way. If you get lost, go back and try again.
Decide on the steps
Work out the number of fields of view you need to move. Use your map and look through your instrument to gain familiarity with the objects that you’ll be using to move to your target.
Change your field
As you move from field to field, use a star or star pattern on the ‘outside of the circle’ on your map and place it in your field of view. Keep doing this until you reach your chosen object.
Start from a bright star
Start your hopping from a reasonably bright star in the constellation in which the object you want to find resides. If you make a mistake, it’ll make it easy to start again from the beginning.
Take your time
Taking your time means you are less likely to get lost – you may find interesting things to look at on the way. Practice makes perfect and the more skilled you are, the easier it gets.
Choose an object
Start with an object that is bright enough to be easily seen. It’s best to go for a target that can also be seen with the naked eye or binoculars to make your first foray in the field as simple.
Know your field of view
Work out the field of view you can see. Transparent acetate film with a circle that’s the same diameter as your instrument’s apertures is helpful, ensuring you see the same field.