If you are looking for a particular star and are having a hard time finding it, you can utilize the method known as star hopping. Star hopping involves the use of known stars and constellations in order to find ones that may not be visible to the naked eye or are difficult to spot.
One common problem often encountered by potential astronomers is the limited field of view offered by binoculars or telescopes. This means that you can scour the sky and not locate the star you are looking for because of the limits set by your viewing instrument. You can remedy this by pointing it to the appropriate spot in the sky, guided by star hopping.
You can start star hopping by following constellations that are easy to spot and using them as guides. For example, Orion’s belt on the constellation Orion, points to the star Sirius to its left. Following the big dipper points you to North Star is another example of star hopping.
You may also utilize other tools such as star atlases so that you won’t lose your way as you poke your eyepiece into the different parts of the nighttime sky. Do bear in mind that star atlases would be highly dependent on your location. A person in the United States would see a totally different sky from one who is in Australia.
With a little bit of luck and lots of experience, you will be able to navigate through the night sky with ease, using star hopping as a jumping point to a more meaningful astronomical experience.