The sky is not the limit for the Ames Area Amateur Astronomers.

The organization, which was founded in 1979, continues to spread its knowledge about the wonders of the sky to the Ames community.

“Astronomy is a science that is accessible to everyone,” said Roger Berger, educational outreach coordinator for the club.

Members of the group encourage college students and community members to get involved with their dynamic club.

“College students are welcome to join and come to our star parties,” Berger said. “We’re always interested in getting more exposure and more people aware of what we’re doing.”

Locals have a chance to get involved with the astronomy club Saturday.

The club is hosting a public star party at its observatory in McFarland Park, about six miles northeast of downtown Ames.

The modern observatory, which was built in 1999, replaced an older observatory that was constructed in 1980.

“We’re quite proud of it,” said Ed Engle, former president and newsletter editor of the club.

“It’s a much more open, much bigger floor plan.”

The new observatory makes it easier to move large groups of people in and out of the viewing area, he said.

The theme for Saturday’s observing session is “Tour of the Littlest Constellations.”

The program is free to the public and will begin at 7:30 p.m. According to the club’s Web site, www.amesastronomers.org, the smallest constellations in the night sky are observational gems waiting to be discovered.

Engle said easily observable autumn constellations include Cygnus the swan with its brightest star Deneb -often referred to as the Northern Cross – as well as Pegasus the winged horse and Aquarius the water bearer.

If the night is clear, numerous other constellations will be in view as well.

“The constellation Orion will be up the next three to four months,” Berger said. “It’s one of the most beautiful constellations in the sky.”

Engle advised those planning to attend to wear warm clothing and bring a pair of binoculars if possible.

“Even in the summertime if you’re outside and not moving around a lot, it’s easy to get cold,” he said.

The astronomy club holds regular meetings at 7:30 p.m. the third Saturday of the month.

A guest speaker is often present to discuss current happenings in the field of astronomy.

Engle said ISU professors are often invited to speak at the meetings.

ISU professors who have lectured at meetings in the past include Lee Anne Willson, university professor of physics and astronomy, Elwynn Taylor, professor of agronomy, and Steve Kawaler, professor of physics and astronomy.

“ISU has an excellent astronomy program,” Berger said.

Berger said the astronomy club’s top priority is to “make the public aware of what’s in the night sky.”

The group is involved in many educational and outreach programs in the Ames community. It has given presentations for local elementary schools,

4-H clubs, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

“Astronomy is a nice way to get kids excited about science,” said Engle, who became interested in the field when he picked up a copy of Astronomy magazine as a junior high student. “It’s the oldest science, but there’s never an end to the questions. In astronomy, you can’t turn around without running into some new questions. It’s an open-ended sort of thing.”

According to the club’s Web site, no registration or fees are required for public star parties, and members of the community are invited to attend.

For additional information about this Saturday’s Public Star Party, contact Ed Engle at 233-0223 or the Story County Conservation Office at 232-2516.