The Warren Astronomical Society At The Texas Star Party

The Texas Star Party is one of the pre-eminent observing star parties in the world. Hosted every spring for twenty-seven years at Prude Ranch, a family-owned hundred-year-old guest ranch deep in the desert, the star party draws hundreds of attendees from all over the country. Excellent skies and desert conditions make for the best observing many attendees ever get.

Six members of the Warren Astronomical Society attended this year's Texas Star Party in April:


From left to right: Jim S, Bill B, Phil M, Joe R, Dave D, and Jon B.

Jon has chronicled their adventures at his web site, but he put together a brief presentation and a handout that he gave at the May Cranbrook meeting. By popular demand, he has provided both documents for this site:

The presentation file

The handout, with excellent instructions and background on the star party if you are interested in attending.

To excerpt just a bit about the logistics of the event:

You'll need to apply to go to the TSP by the January before the event, in order to be in the group from which they randomly select the 700 people they allow in any year. This year there was no need for that advance application, because far less than 700 people wanted to go. The price is $50 if you register by mid-March, or $150 if you register later or if you pay at the door (assuming they are not full and you can still get in). If they have over 700 people apply, they will let you know by email in February whether you were accepted or not.

When you apply online for the TSP, you'll also have to apply at the same time for accommodations at the Prude Ranch. There is enough "covered housing" (motel rooms and bunkhouses) for about 300 people, and they are chosen randomly from those who apply. Everyone else stays in tents or campers, or off of the property.

Prices per person per day are:

Camping $9.25
RV $19.50
Bunkhouse $40
Family cabin $56 ($50 if 3 or 4 people)
Motel room $77 ($62.50 if 3 or 4 people)

Lunch and dinner are included in covered housing, or cost $160 for the whole week if you are staying in a tent or RV.

Motel rooms have 2 double beds and a bathroom with a small shower. If nobody brings their own bed, and you put more than two people in a room, then somebody will have to share a double bed.

WAS astroimagers scored some real trophies on this trip. Phil Martin's f/2 (!) rig obtained amazing wide-field shots, like the sword of Orion:


(See more of Phil's TSP photos at his new WAS gallery.)

Bill Beers got his own great images - nebulae, galaxies, and planets, among them M17, the Swan Nebula.

(See more of Bill's photos here.)

Dave D'Onofrio got several excellent shots as well, which will be posted as soon as he has finished final processing on them.

2010's TSP will be held from May 9-16. If you're looking for some great observing, sightseeing in the desert and at the observatory, and great companionship with your fellow WAS members, consider attending. Jon and other alumni will be happy to assist if you have any questions.