The Texas Star Party is the largest gathering of amateur astronomers in the world. So big, in fact, that they've begun to limit the number of people who can attend to the first 700 to sign up.

I just received the following info from the TSP organizers and if you think you'd like to attend (wish I could) then follow these suggestions.........

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2005 Texas Star Party - Sign up Now!

The great tradition of dark sky observing continues with the 27th Annual TEXAS STAR PARTY, May 1 - 8, 2005!

TSP WILL NOT BE MAILING A FLYER this year, so keep this e-mail or print it out!

1. You should submit a Registration/Reservation Request Form to ENTER THE TSP DRAWING before January 17, 2005. This will provide you the highest possible chance of being selected as one of the 700 people who will be able to attend TSP this year.
http://www.texasstarparty.org/draw.html

or fill out the Request Form immediately at:
http://www.alphadata.net/cgi-bin/forms/forms.cgi?form=3

READ THE REST OF THIS E-MAIL BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR REQUEST.

2. Participants at the TEXAS STAR PARTY can select from a variety of accommodations on the Prude Ranch, including bunkhouses, private cabins, trailer hookups, and campsites with convenient bathhouses. All accommodations include access to a TV lounge, a western-style dining room, and an indoor swimming pool. And of course the convenience of the observing fields!

For rates and more information on ranch and nearby accomodations, please visit:
http://www.texasstarparty.org/travel.html

3. The TSP Registration Fee (DOES NOT INCLUDE your accomodations) is $50/person if you preregister before April 1, 2005. (Each additional family member is just $30 more.) For more information about TSP Registration rates and policies, visit:
http://www.texasstarparty.org/tspreg.html

The drawing for names is in late January, and if your name is drawn you will get a TSP Registration Form (and optional Prude Ranch Reservation Form) to send in with your payments in February/March.

SIGN UP NOW!

Questions? Visit our website for the latest and complete details!
http://www.texasstarparty.org/

We look forward to seeing you next May!

Sincerely,
the volunteers for Texas Star Party