Overview:

Texas Star Party, Inc. is a Texas Non-Profit Corporation, formed in 1997, when it became clear to the TSP founders and volunteers that TSP needed the protections that are afforded corporations, including protecting the name and custodianship of the organization.

TSP has also been granted Non-Profit status by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) Corporation, for educational and scientific purposes, since March 1997.

TSP works with other organizations, including The University of Texas McDonald Observatory and the Southwest Region of the Astronomical League, to implement the annual event. Many of its volunteers are also members of SWRAL astronomy clubs.

 

Purpose:

The primary purpose of this Corporation is to promote the science of Astronomy through various educational activities which:

  • Encourage visual and instrumented astronomical observing,
  • Enhance theoretical and practical understanding of astronomy,
  • Encourage individuals to design and produce astronomical-related equipment, including telescopes and innovative accessories, and to ensure the future of astronomical observing by encouraging the preservation of night-time dark skies.

 

Board of Directors:

Directors are chosen to bring a broad spectrum of viewpoints of the amateur astronomy community from across Texas. Each director has shown a commitment to the TSP event, through their volunteerism and familiarity with the operations and philosophy of TSP, and willingness to preserve the fundamentals that make TSP successful.

The primary responsibility of the Board of Directors is to define and enforce the general policies for the TSP event, and to provide a decision-making body when the TSP operations officials need guidance regarding the direction or future directions of TSP.

Officers

George Ellis, Chairman

Karl S. Baltz, Sr., President

Anne Adkins, Secretary

Treasurer TBA

General Board

  • Steve Goldberg, Houston
  • Steve Coleman, Van Alstyne
  • Allen Gilchrist, Ft Davis
  • Rick Kirchhof, Austin
  • David Moody, Canyon Lake
  • Scott Mitchell, Houston
  • Ted Saker, Columbus
  • Christina Legrand, Albuquerque
  • Becky Ramotowski, Tijeras

Honorary Directors

  • Deborah Byrd, Austin
  • Amelia Goldberg, Houston
  • John Wagoner, Plano

Board Advisors

  • Gary Carter, Fairview
  • Rene Gedaly, Crystal Beach

 

TSP Operations Committee:

The operation and management of day to day business of the organization and each year’s TSP event is handled by this committee:

  • Karl S. Baltz, Sr., President of Operations  (Bay City, Texas)
  • Rene Gedaly (The Woodlands,TX
  • Rick Kirchhof (Llano, Texas),
  • Scott Mitchell (Houston, Texas).

This committee is the main management team of the Texas Star Party, Inc.. The team is responsible for managing the day to day business affairs of the organization.  This includes the planning, organizing, running and managing our Annual Star Party Event, and all of the volunteers that host our annual Texas Star Party at Prude Ranch outside of Fort Davis, Texas.  This team manages the various sub-committees comprised of volunteers that perform the  various work assignments needed to host the Annual Star Party. Refer to the list below see other teams/committees created to perform the various work assignments. This is not an all inclusive list of areas where volunteers are needed.  This list will be expanded as the need arises. Some are active all year round and some just during what we consider our TSP Event season.

  • Dark-Out (foil and lights)
  • Electronic Communications, Ham Radio, Emergency Response
  • Event Information (Weather Satellite, FM Radio)
  • Front Gate and Security
  • Guest Speakers (evening talks)
  • Paper Sessions (daytime talks)
  • Power Distribution (electricity in fields)
  • Programs – Observing, ATM, Astrophotography
  • Publications & Printing
  • Ranch Reservations
  • Registration
  • Tours
  • Vendors & Door Prizes
  • Youth recruitment: K-12 and Tertiary Education students
  • Live Streaming Broadcast during TSP Event and periodic Live Virtual Events.
  • Public Outreach
  • Advertising and Marketing
  • Field Inspection for Trip Hazards, White Light Violations, Red Filters on Computer Screens, non-authorized electronic equipment using Power Grid.
  • Group Photo
  • Covid19/Declared Pandemic Protocols
  • Health, Medical and Safety Personnel
  • Texas Star Party Spouses and Family
  • Astrophotography and Art Competition

 

“Friends of TSP” and Donations

One of our primary sources of funds is through donations to our “Friends of TSP” fund. Read about  Friends of TSP.