It was a weekend gathering of amateur astronomers at Davis Mountains State Park near McDonald Observatory in far west Texas.

[1] 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.

[3] Activities include dark sky observing and imaging, an astrophotography contest, guest speakers, tours of McDonald Observatory, commercial vendors, and the opportunity to view numerous home built telescopes and gadgets.

TSP is well known for its very dark skies due to its elevation in the Davis Mountains of around 5,000 feet (1,500 m) and it remoteness from artificial light sources.

[4] The TSP is run by around 50-70 volunteers each year, drawn mostly from amateur astronomy clubs with support from the University of Texas’ McDonald Observatory.