For some people, looking at the night sky is just looking at the night sky. For the members of the Ames Area Amateur Astronomers (AAAA), the sky is much, much more.

Saturday, in celebration of National Astronomy Day, the AAAA will be holding the grand opening for its new observatory, in an attempt to “encourage interest and exploration in all things astronomical,” said Jim Bonser, AAAA publicity secretary.

AAAA member Ed Engle said the group will have an open house with information booths at the Story County Conservation Center in McFarland Park, 56461 180th St. Tours of the new observatory will also be available. Free food will be served beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday.

“If it is clear, we’ll be there until we get tired of looking at the sky, but if it is not clear, or it is raining, the dedication program and open house will run until about 8:30 [p.m.],” Engle said.

Steve Kawaler, professor of physics and astronomy and AAAA member, said National Astronomy Day is a celebration for those who love the stars.

“[National Astronomy Day] reminds us to look up. The day is the result of a mobilization effort by the national network of amateur astronomers to share their enjoyment with others,” Kawaler said.

Engle said giving others the opportunity to enjoy the night sky is the most important part of National Astronomy Day.

“There are so many children that have grown up in light-polluted cities that have never even really seen or stopped to think about the night sky. Events like this draw attention to the night sky, and interest in the subject seems to grow from there,” he said.

The AAAA is a group of 75 to 80 families that gather regularly to share in their common stargazing interests, Engle said.

“Our general goal is to enjoy our hobby while educating and introducing, especially young people, to astronomy. This is done through observing nights, presentations to youth groups and public star parties,” he said.

Engle said AAAA was founded in 1979, and the original AAAA observatory was nothing more than an old silo roof, making it hard to hold large-group star viewings, which are key to the group’s educational mission.

“The design for the new building was actually constructed by members. We’d get together nights and weekends and build it; now it’s ready and perfectly safe,” Engle said.

Engle said one of the observatory’s unique features is its moving roof, which is set on rollers.

This year’s National Astronomy Day is happening a few weeks earlier than usual, Kawaler said, because of some unusual astronomical events occurring this weekend.

“National Astronomy Day usually happens in early spring, around Earth Day, because it is getting warmer and people feel good about being outside. It’s earlier this year due to a planetary alignment that will be visible, giving us even more to share,” he said.

Star viewers will have a rare opportunity to see the moon, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn all within 20 degrees of one another. The alignment was first visible Thursday and will continue to be visible through Saturday, Kawaler said.