This should get you visually centered around where the object should be.Ħ) If you have binoculars or a telescope, or telescope/finderscope, you can refine even further by comparing the local star field, magnified in the app, to that which is visible in the eyepiece Use the app to compare to the star field and find the bright constellations in the area of the object. Look up to where the object should be.ĥ) The apps also show the shapes of the major constellations. Using the app you can then estimate the altitude of the object (20% of the way up to the Zenith from the ground, 50% of the way up to the zenith, etc.). Face that direction as best as you can.Ĥ) Many of the apps also show the Zenith (highest point in the sky). (Polaris is easy to find from the two end stars in the 'pot' on the big dipper which point towards Polaris which is at the end of the handle in the little dipper).ģ) So using the app you can then find where approximately around the horizon the object (star, nebula, constellation, etc.) should be (i.e. Knowing where Polaris is, you then know where north is.

Polaris is in the north, it does not move with the other starts. I would not rely on the phone compass and tilt sensor (I have found them problematic).ġ) I would get an app that simply shows the cardinal directions (N, S, E, W) in the app (I like Stellarium).Ģ) Learn how to find Polaris (I am hoping you are in the Northern Hemisphere where you can see Polaris).

App stellarium android