Named for the Texas Star Party on the occasion of its 18th anniversary in May 1996. The TSP is held annually on the Prude Ranch, Fort Davis, near McDonald Observatory {see planet  (991) }. Founded in 1979 by Deborah Byrd {see planet  (3505) }, the event has since become one of the largest meetings of amateur astronomers in North America. It provides amateur astronomers from around the world with the opportunity for visual observing, astrophotography and fellowship under clear, dark skies. (M 27127) _ _.