TTUS 3RR Star Parties

The Texas Tech University System recently received the 3 Rivers Ranch in Crowell, TX and its associated astronomy campus, complete with several telescopes, thanks to a generous donation from Fred Koch and the 3 Rivers Foundation for the Arts and Sciences.  This site provides an incredible combination of dark skies and relative proximity to the cities of the northern part of Texas which makes it an ideal place for public telescope viewing sessions.  Prior to its acquisition by the Texas Tech University System, it hosted nearly monthly star parties for the general public, free of charge, and the Department of Physics & Astronomy and College of Arts & Sciences at Texas Tech University, along with Angelo State University are proud to be continuing this tradition.

 

The Location

4187 FM 654, Crowell, TX 79227

The Star Party Program

We plan for each event to be preceeded by a public science talk about astronomy or space science, followed by public observing.  Scheduled start times will vary throughout the year due to changes in time of sunset.

Accomodations

A variety of accomodations (family cabins which offer a level of comfort comparable to a hotel room; bunkhouses for large groups; RV hookups; and tent camping) may be booked for a fee.  If you wish to stay over contact Cady Alvarado at 3riversranch@ttu.edu

Frequently asked questions

 

2024-2025 Star Party Dates (click for a link to the program, including guest speakers names and topics, start and end times, and objects to be observed)

 October 5th, 2024

November 2nd, 2024 (event cancelled due to bad weather forecast)

February 1st, 2025

March 1st, 2025

March 29th, 2025

April 26th, 2025

May 24th, 2025

June 28th, 2025

July 26th, 2025

August 23rd, 2025

September 20th, 2025

October 18th, 2025

November 22nd, 2025

Donate

Click here if you would like to make a financial donation to help support our star parties.  Your donation will help pay for event organization, and equipment maintenance and upgrades.