Astronomy and laser pointers

AstroLaser said:

On the topic of light being projected in the sky - I don't think they are used as often now, but I remember occasionally stores, car lots, ect. would use giant search lights sweeping around the sky in a circular motion to attract attention to a big sale or grand opening and you could see those beams from miles away.

Anyone remember those and have you seen any stores use them recently ?

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I don't see stores with those searchlights out, but many of the casinos around here (New Mexico) have them. They're a little cool to watch when there is low cloud cover, but otherwise pretty pointless in my opinion.

Thanks for the light pollution info. Yes I'm staying in Morgantown across the river from WVU. Light pollution is horrable here. I went to the WVU astronomy club meeting and look through the University's 14 inch Celestron last night. Man what a let down! I plan to travel to a astronomy club meeting Centra Appalachian Astronomy Club this Saturday. It's about 40 miles south of here, and they have dark skies there, and a 16 inch scope.
So I should get some stars in the eye piece then. I let you know if they use lasers.:wave:

Petacat said:

Thanks for the light pollution info. Yes I'm staying in Morgantown across the river from WVU. Light pollution is horrable here. I went to the WVU astronomy club meeting and look through the University's 14 inch Celestron last night. Man what a let down! I plan to travel to a astronomy club meeting Centra Appalachian Astronomy Club this Saturday. It's about 40 miles south of here, and they have dark skies there, and a 16 inch scope.
So I should get some stars in the eye piece then. I let you know if they use lasers.:wave:

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Thanks, that would be interesting to know if they use laser pointers.

From what I have read from searching the web the policy on laser pointers at star parties can vary from none allowed at all, to allowed for the early evening, to limited restrictions, to no restrictions, (of course all with the understanding of careful and responsible use).

Here are a few of the related quotes I have found online, followed by links to their source:

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The RAS does not have an official policy concerning the use of green laser pointers. Common sense and courtesy dictates what is acceptable. For sky tours early in the evening, the green laser pointer is certainly a valuable tool. Minimize its use, and no one will likely object to this. As the sky darkens several hours after sunset, many members will be engaged in astrophotography and imaging. The use of the laser is not recommennded during this period. If you feel a need to use it, and there is only a small group at the site, we would recommend that you get an "OK" from the group before proceeding.
RAS Star Party Etiquette

As the sky darkened, the star party portion of the tour began. Once again, guests sat around the circular amphitheater as a knowledgeable astronomer used a green laser pointer to point out the constellations and planets that were visible.
Texas Star Party, Prude Ranch, Fort Davis, Texas

I also had my green laser pointer and was using it to point out the constellations and some of the brighter deep-sky objects. M7, M8, M20, the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), the Double Cluster, and Brocchi’s Coathanger were naked eye visible. It was also a cinch to get people on target with binoculars by pointing with the laser and letting them follow the beam.
Observing report: the backup star party « 10 Minute Astronomy

He's done this for over 50 years, both as a hobby and professionally, and very few people do it better. John points out constellations and bright stars, whichever planets are visible, and the Milky Way with his green laser pointer
Stargazing Adventures Programs

Like many of you, I never head off to a star party without my trusty green laser pointer close at hand. These great and increasingly inexpensive gadgets have really revolutionized how we point out sights in the night sky to newbies and veteran skywatchers alike.
SkyandTelescope.com - Observing Highlights - Green Lasers: A Hidden Danger

Strap the green laser to your binos and then when you find an object just turn on the laser so those looking in the sky with binos next to you can follow your beam. Much easier then holding the laser pointer with one hand and the binos with the other.
Astronomy a Go Go!

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I'm very intressted in astronomy too! My friends are impressed of me...

I point out the stars, galaxys, and more and tell about them. Now when winter approaches, my favourite stars will be visible here in the north. Sirius, Betelguize, Aldebaran, Antares, Orion's belt and many more objects!

Psychopatic said:

I'm very intressted in astronomy too! My friends are impressed of me...

I point out the stars, galaxys, and more and tell about them. Now when winter approaches, my favourite stars will be visible here in the north. Sirius, Betelguize, Aldebaran, Antares, Orion's belt and many more objects!

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.....and don't forget the Pleiades star cluster, a neat sight even with just binoculars !

AstroLaser said:

.....and don't forget the Pleiades star cluster, a neat sight even with just binoculars !

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Of course not. Here it's called the "sjustjärnorna", or in english, the seven stars.

I recently used my 1W 445nm at a friend's star party. People thought it was neat and didn't mind it. Personally I like to mount a laser to the telescope and align it with the center of the field of view in the eyepiece so that other people can see what the telescope is pointing at.

In Alaska I would be out doing Astronomy with my scopes at -30 F. That was my cut off point for doing astronomy, any colder and the focuser would freeze up and not move no matter how hard I cranked on it. To keep my laser pointer working for pointing the scopes, I would keep the pointer stuck up inside my artic parka sleeve. That would keep it warm for when I need it. It would then give me a few good moments to get the scope pointed at the star before it would get cold and go dim. Then back up the sleeve with the cold little sucker
By the way Astrolaser-I didn't make it to the Centra Appalachian Astronomy Club meeting Saturaday. It was just to cloudy to make the drive.

laser_freak said:

I recently used my 1W 445nm at a friend's star party. People thought it was neat and didn't mind it. Personally I like to mount a laser to the telescope and align it with the center of the field of view in the eyepiece so that other people can see what the telescope is pointing at.

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For those not yet aware of it - they actually make laser mounts specifically for astronomy telescopes.

Petacat said:

In Alaska I would be out doing Astronomy with my scopes at -30 F. That was my cut off point for doing astronomy, any colder and the focuser would freeze up and not move no matter how hard I cranked on it. To keep my laser pointer working for pointing the scopes, I would keep the pointer stuck up inside my artic parka sleeve. That would keep it warm for when I need it. It would then give me a few good moments to get the scope pointed at the star before it would get cold and go dim. Then back up the sleeve with the cold little sucker
By the way Astrolaser-I didn't make it to the Centra Appalachian Astronomy Club meeting Saturaday. It was just to cloudy to make the drive.

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-30 degrees F ?

.....I'd have to have a large thermos of coffee !!!!!

Let me know whenever you get to that Astromony meeting as to their laser policy, it would be interesting to know.