Green Astronomy Laser

[Standard]

Does anyone here have any experience with green laser pointers for use in astronomy? I have been wanting to get one for quite some time now for use among other things when I do astronomy talks for our Scouts. My son is on a semester-long outdoor travel program through university. One of the presentations which he has to give (on an ongoing basis) is astronomy since he was the one going on this trek who took an astronomy class last semester (got an A!). My son's instructor would like for him to have a good laser pointer to use while giving the presentations, I know that green lasers are superior to red for this purpose. However, since I don't know that much about green lasers I thought I'd tap into the fountain of knowledge with which our members never cease to amaze me. Thanks in advance for your help on this matter. BTW I would like to keep the price at under about $125, and it has to be legal for use in the United States.

[Bugbear]

Post deleted.

[pdcorlis]

Off Topic Warning!!!!!

Sorry for the hijack - but didn't some folks get in trouble for pointing these things at airplanes a while back?

Now - back to topic.

[Bugbear]

Post deleted.

[Standard]

Thanks Ted, I looked at that website this morning, also this one http://store.nexternal.com/shared/St...t=products.asp Anyone else have any experience with the green laser pointers?

[Birddog]

I would be curious as to what the laser would be used for in astronomy. I just saw a wonderful edition of Mythbusters, where they busted the Moon Mission myths. The last segment they were looking at reflectors placed on the moon by hitting them with VERY powerful lasers, on the order of more than 1 million times more powerful than a laser pointer that you can purchase.

[Panache]

I would be curious as to what the laser would be used for in astronomy.

When someone is giving a talk about astronomy the laser pointer is very useful for directing people's attention at a particular celestial object or tracing a constellation. The beam is visible for at least 20-30 feet and gets people looking in the right place.

Cheers

Jamie

[Birddog]

Thanks, Jamie. Last night I looked at some Youtube video with some very powerful pointers, and was impressed. My dogs would go nuts with that one! By the way, the laser pointer is the greatest dog toy ever invented!

[fluter]

Until recently the green ones have been fairly pricey. Basically they illuminate dust, water vapor, and "stuff" in the air---works great in the humid southeast US.

Meade makes one, which sells for about $70. Likewise Orion at about $100. one of these may be available at a local retailer. Also at Anacortes Telescope and Wild Bird, Oceanside Photo (search for green laser, several from $60-100).

[Howard Clark]

All things laser pointer can be found at http://www.wickedlasers.com/