How to Locate Pluto

Whether it's a planet or not, Pluto is a cool astronomical sight to spot in the night sky. Unfortunately, because of Pluto's distance from Earth, it can't be spotted without a rather large telescope. The good news is that with the help of a telescope of about 5 inches in diameter or more and knowledge of when to look, you can find Pluto for yourself.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Use a telescope of at least 5 inches in diameter. While it's not impossible to spot Pluto with a smaller telescope, in ideal conditions of darkness and clarity, you'll have the best chance of seeing it with a 5-inch telescope and an even better chance the larger the telescope gets.
2. Look at an astronomical calendar to check for the current year's viewing season for Pluto. Solar glare and other factors keep Pluto out of view for a part of the year. This changes on a yearly basis.
3. Wait for a night with ideal viewing conditions. Pluto, like other celestial bodies, is most easily viewed when the sky is very dark, the moon is not full and the sky is clear of cloud cover.
4. Consult a star chart with a depiction of where stars and planets are located in the night sky for an idea of where to find Pluto. "Sky and Telescope" magazine publishes a yearly article and map for locating outer planets, including Pluto.
5. Search for constellations or stars that you can find with the naked eye, then focus the telescope on that area and look for Pluto in relation to the other celestial bodies you have already located more easily.