Campin' Under the Stars: Chasing the Wizard Nebula at Delta Lake
Ah, the simple joys of camping before the chaos of puppy parenthood set in. Back in mid-May 2024, I packed up the Camp-Inn 550 teardrop camper, hitched it to my trusty 2023 Tesla Model Y, and headed to Delta Lake State Park in Rome, NY. It’s one of those hidden gems in upstate New York—serene, scenic, and just a short drive from Whitesboro. Little did I know, this trip would blend classic camping vibes with a stellar astrophotography win.
The Daytime Setup
We rolled into the park around midday, snagging a prime waterfront site right on the lake’s edge. The views were postcard-perfect: calm waters reflecting the partly cloudy skies, with a gentle breeze rustling the trees. Temperatures were unseasonably cool for late spring—hovering in the low 60s°F (about 16°C)—so I layered up while setting up camp. The teardrop camper popped open effortlessly, and I had everything squared away in no time: solar panels charging the batteries, awning out for shade, and a comfy chair positioned for lakeside lounging.
With the day stretching ahead, I took a leisurely walk around the park trails, soaking in the fresh air and spotting a few birds dipping into the lake. Dinner was straightforward but satisfying—a juicy burger grilled over the portable setup, paired with some chips and a cold drink. As evening crept in, I built a crackling campfire, its warmth chasing away the chill. There’s nothing quite like staring into the flames, listening to the water lap at the shore, and letting the day’s stresses melt away.
Nightfall and the Celestial Hunt
As dusk fell, the partly cloudy skies started to play nice. By around 9 PM, the clouds had mostly cleared, revealing a darkening canvas overhead. With the light pollution being relatively low for a state park ( Bortle class around 4-5), I knew it was prime time to break out the astro gear. My target for the night? NGC 7380, better known as the Wizard Nebula.
Relive the night: Campfire to Wizard Nebula capture at Delta Lake! (Runtime: 10:40)For those not in the know, the Wizard Nebula is a mesmerizing emission nebula in the constellation Cepheus, about 8,000 light-years from Earth. Discovered by the legendary astronomer Caroline Herschel in 1787, it’s illuminated by a young open star cluster (Sh2-142) at its heart. The nebula’s shape evokes a sorcerer in flowing robes, complete with a pointed hat—hence the whimsical name. It’s a fantastic object for wide-field imaging, spanning about 20 light-years across, and it glows in hydrogen-alpha wavelengths, making it pop in long exposures.
I set up my Red Cat 71 telescope—a compact, high-quality refractor perfect for portable astro sessions—on a sturdy mount, aligned it to the north, and got the camera rolling. With the cool night air (dipping to around 50°F/10°C), I bundled up by the dying embers of the fire and let the rig do its work. Over a couple of hours, stacking exposures, the image started to come together: swirling gases in reds and blues, with the wizard’s form emerging like magic from the darkness.
And boy, did it deliver! The final processed shot captured the nebula’s intricate details beautifully—the starry “wand” of the cluster piercing through the cosmic fog. (Pro tip: If you’re camping in varying locations like I do, always create a custom horizon file on-site for accurate planning—apps like Stellarium make it a breeze.)
My capture of NGC 7380 from Delta Lake—pure wizardry under the stars.
Reflections
This trip was a reminder of why I love campin’ under the stars: the blend of earthly comforts (burgers and bonfires) with the awe of the universe above. Delta Lake proved to be an ideal spot—affordable, dog-friendly (though Phineas wasn’t around yet), and with enough dark sky to make astro pursuits worthwhile. If you’re in the Rome area, I highly recommend it for a weekend escape.
Next up? More trips as the weather warms, perhaps chasing comets or galaxies. Stay tuned, fellow campers and stargazers!
What are your favorite nebula targets? Drop a comment below!