Groombridge 1830 is notable for one thing, its the third fastest star with a proper motion of 7.058 arcseconds. This means that the star will have moved one entire degree in an apparent direction of 145º in just 511 years.

The star is a rather bright dwarf, with a visual magnitude of 6.4, quite suitable for binoculars.

To find Groombridge 1830 begin at xi UMa. Putting this star at the extreme northeast corner of your glasses (in winter, the constellation and hence the directions are upside down!) you'll see two fairly bright stars at the other side of your glasses: binoculars. These are 61 UMa and 62 UMa. Now put 61 UMa at the top of your glasses a little off centre. A line of three sixth-magnitude stars brings you to a small group of stars: binoculars.