Green Lasers and Astronomy in the news!

[tanichols]

All,

See my below FAA notification and dispersion comments, also....

Several articles have now came out since my initial postings that reference lasers and astronomy.

Check out the following:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/03/nyregion...on/03laser.html - FBI Asks NJ man about Laser
http://www.gazette.com/display.php?id=1305236 - FBI Shines Light on Lasers use, dangers

And I do want to argue about those talking about lasers and dispersion, etc. What is being talked about mostly is lasers hitting pilots on approach, not at cruising altitudes. And I can read all these "tests" people are posting saying no way, etc. As I said earlier I was at an astronomy event once where I saw someone who I did not know PURPOSELY shot a laser (a non souped up version) at a plane which was on approach to an airport. They wanted to see if they could hit it. NOT funny at all! The person was quickly warned and almost beat by people in charge at the event, but the laser DID light the bottom of the plane which was on approach several miles from the airport. I could see a sizeable green blob on the fuselage of the plane. My eyes don't lie. So yes, jerks are hitting planes, and they do hit.

It's unfortunate that a few people with "curiosities" or just trying to have what they call "fun" may cause all using GLP's to be affected.

I recently spoke with someone at the FAA and they suggested if you have an observatory or something that you call the local airport/FAA station and inform them that GREEN LASERS are used at the location. The FAA may then issue a NOTAM to pilots informing them of a site utilizing lasers. Letting the powers that be know isn't a bad idea, for we have nothing to hide. Just inform them its an astronomy site using lasers for educational reasons and ask them to make pilots, etc. aware.

Then again you could just ban lasers all together at your sites to save the hassle or chose not to use them.

So many choices.... And for those reading, I do not own a pointer and don't have to make any choices!

Regards,
Ted A. Nichols II
President - ASH
http://www.astrohbg.org
Celebrating 50 Years!

Sponsoring the Cherry Springs Star Party - June 2005!
http://www.cherrysprings.org

[Gneiss]

I have to say that I own one of these green lasers myself....

If you are trying to point out objects in the night sky, especially to children and those that don't have any knowledge of the night sky they are an excellent tool!!

So much easier than saying just above that tree and having five people all looking in different directions

And great fun getting the kitten chasing round the kitchen in ever decreasing circles trying to catch the green dot

[nomadicdemon]

I want a green laser... <_<