The Wizard Nebula (NGC 7380)

August 4 - 6, 2024 (Calhoun County Park, WV)

The Wizard Nebula, also known as NGC 7380, is an emission nebula located in the constellation Cepheus. It's a bright, colorful region of space where new stars are being born, creating intricate patterns of glowing gas and dark dust. The nebula gets its name from its shape, which some observers think resembles a wizard's hat or robe. It is approximately 8,000 light-years away from Earth and spans about 45 light-years across.