Space Place telescope clinic planned Jan. 26

The planets are blazing away in our clear January skies. Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars are all easy to find.

A small telescope or pair of binoculars are all you need to get started on observing these and other celestial wonders, but do you know how to use those instruments?

If you have any questions about telescopes and binoculars – using them, maintaining them, shopping for them, or even if you’re simply curious and want to see a selection of telescopes on display and talk to some experienced astronomers – your chance is at hand from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, at UW Space Place, 1605 S. Park St.

Space Place, the Madison Astronomical Society, and Eagle Optics plan to host the Third Annual Telescope and Binocular Clinic. The public is invited to bring in telescopes and binoculars to show to others and get answers to questions about them.

Space Place’s collection of telescopes and binoculars will be on display. Madison Astronomical Society volunteers will be available to discuss all aspects of astronomical instruments and observing. Experts from Eagle Optics also will display instruments and answer questions.

At 7 p.m., Space Place Director Jim Lattis will deliver a presentation entitled “What’s My Telescope Good for Anyway? Hints for Stargazers.” He’ll discuss the suitability of various instruments for many kinds of observing and offer tips for the coming celestial attractions

The event is free. And all are welcome, whether or not they own a telescope. For more information, call Lattis, (608) 263-4680.