Let me be honest: I’m not a fan of camping. I know some of you are probably shaking your heads, imagining the crackling campfires, the fresh air, and the freedom of the great outdoors. But for me, camping has always meant uncomfortable nights on a barely inflated air mattress, dealing with ticks, mosquitoes, and the general lack of personal hygiene that comes with not showering for a few days. While my wife, Stephanie, grew up camping and has plenty of fond memories tied to the experience, I wasn’t raised that way. I didn’t have those same nostalgic feelings of sleeping under the stars or roasting marshmallows.
When Stephanie suggested that we take the kids camping, I wasn’t exactly thrilled. But, being the supportive husband and dad that I am, I agreed because I knew how much our kids would enjoy it. And let’s be honest, their joy and excitement make the discomforts a little more bearable. Watching them laugh, run around, and make new memories is a big part of why I’m willing to put up with the bugs and the dirt.
But I’m not writing this blog post to complain about sleeping in a tent (although I could). Instead, I want to share how I’ve found my upside to camping, one that has changed my outlook on it entirely: astrophotography.
Since discovering astrophotography, I’ve found a reason to look forward to camping trips. The dark skies that come with being out in the woods or far from city lights are perfect for capturing stunning images of the night sky. My Vespera 2 telescope has become my new camping companion, and I can’t deny the thrill I get from setting it up and seeing what I can capture in those clear, unpolluted skies.
There’s something magical about being out there in the stillness, looking up and seeing the universe unfold before you. It’s moments like those that make the discomforts of camping fade into the background, at least a little bit. While I’m still not a fan of sleeping on the ground or swatting away mosquitoes, I now have something that excites me about these trips. I’ve found my personal upside, which helps balance out the parts I don’t enjoy.
Capturing the Night Sky: Lessons Learned and Gear Highlights
During this trip, I captured some incredible images despite the challenges I faced. Among the highlights were shots of the Wizard Nebula, a large and ambitious mosaic featuring several stars and nebulae around the Bubble Nebula, as well as the Andromeda Galaxy, though, unfortunately, I could only capture 30 subs before the battery on the Vespera 2 died. Despite this, the level of detail was impressive, proving once again that dark skies make all the difference. I also captured a stunning image of the Omega Nebula in a dense starfield.
Equipment Breakdown:
- Telescope: Vaonis Vespera 2
- Tripod: SmallRig AD-100 FreeBlazer Heavy-Duty Carbon Fiber Tripod System – This tripod stabilizes the telescope in uneven terrain while camping. It’s lightweight, easy to travel with, and simple to set up, making it perfect for these outdoor sessions.
- Power: MARBERO Portable Power Station 88Wh Camping Lithium Battery – Since the Vespera 2 can’t shoot continuously through the night on one charge, having this external battery was essential.
Challenges and Solutions:
One of the biggest challenges I faced was the lack of cellular signal, which meant I couldn’t use my Astrospheric app to monitor cloud cover. Thankfully, my GPS still worked, so I relied on the Stellarium app to see when and where objects would be visible. This app became a crucial tool, especially with trees obstructing parts of the sky while camping. It helped me determine which objects would be visible and for how long, preventing unwanted elements (like trees) from creeping into the frame.
On the first night, clouds hovered over the sky until about midnight. Without cellular service, I had no way of predicting if they would clear up, but luckily, they did. I used the Vespera 2 to capture an image of the Bubble Nebula. Stellarium also helped me determine that the object would remain above the horizon until sunrise, allowing me to capture as many images as possible before the telescope shut down.
Unfortunately, the Vespera 2 and the external battery were dead by morning, but they had lasted long enough to get some decent shots. I charged them using my car during the day, but I could only get the Vespera 2 to about 75% charge before celestial sunset. That night, the battery and the telescope died while I was still imaging the Andromeda Galaxy, which was frustrating.
What I’ll Do Differently Next Time:
- Bring two batteries: One battery isn’t enough for a whole night’s session, so I’ll come better prepared next time.
- Prepare more detailed cloud information beforehand: I’ll get a detailed forecast before I lose cellular service at the campsite.
Personal Reflection:
One of the most memorable parts of this trip wasn’t just the images I captured but the reactions from my kids. They were blown away by seeing the Milky Way with their own eyes for the first time, and I must admit, I was blown away, too. I hadn’t seen the Milky Way with my naked eye in over a decade, and it was a powerful reminder of how awe-inspiring the night sky truly is. I even managed to take a photo of the Milky Way with my phone.
Despite all the little annoyances that come with camping, moments like these make it all worth it. They remind us that even if we don’t love certain experiences, we can find something within them that makes them special.
What about you? Do you have experiences where you didn’t enjoy something at first but found a way to make it more pleasant? Share your tips in the comments below!
