Texas Star Party
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Texas Star Party is one of three major annual star parties in the United States, the other two being Stellafane and the RTMC Astronomy Expo.
The Texas Star Party (TSP) was founded by Deborah Byrd, long-time producer and host of the radio series Earth & Sky in August of 1979. It was a weekend gathering of 50-100 amateur astronomers at Davis Mountains State Park near McDonald Observatory in far west Texas.
By 1982 TSP was a week long event with 535 attendees and was moved to the Prude Guest Ranch near Fort Davis, Texas. For one year only, in 1997, the event was held at Alto Frio Baptist Encampment, on the banks of the Frio River, 40 miles north of Uvalde, Texas. In 1998 TSP returned to Prude Ranch, where it continues to be held annually in late April or in May near the time of new moon. Activities include dark sky observing and imaging, an astrophotography contest, prominent guest speakers, tours of McDonald Observatory, numerous commercial vendors, and the opportunity to view hundreds of home built telescopes and gadgets.
TSP is well known for its very dark skies and has strongly supported efforts to reduce light pollution. This support has included funding public information vehicles regarding light pollution, efficient lighting practices, exterior lighting ordinances, and street light fixture replacements in the west Texas area.
At TSP 1996, Brian A. Skiff named one of the asteroids that he had previously discovered. That asteroid, 4932 Texstapa (1984 EA1), was discovered on March 9, 1984 at the Anderson Mesa Station of the Lowell Observatory and was named for the Texas Star Party on the occasion of its 18th anniversary in May 1996.
[edit] External links
- Official Texas Star Party Website See "History" section for a list of past speakers and award winners at Texas Star Party
