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Laser pointer for astronomy: what to buy

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speedlight

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Hello guys,
i need your expertise in order to find out which green laser point i should buy: i need it only for astronomy reasons ie to point out single star during observing night. What mw power should i look for? Any specific link to online shops (i prefer european shops) where to buy from?
thank you all in advance

Cheers
Speed
 





S

speedlight

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Hi greenlander, thank you for your quick reply. Do you think that 5mW is enough power for my purpose? I look at your link and if i correctly understood Laserglow ships items from Canada which could be a pain in the arse here in Italy due to duty and bad postal service this is why i'd prefer to buy from within EU.
What about this one SD Laser Kit: Adjustable Focus 50-60mW Green (532nm) Laser - Detailed item view - OdicForce Lasers Online Shop ? Do you think it will be a waste of mW?
Thanks a lot.
 
Tmack

Tmack

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For pointing out stars I would. Recommend something in the 50-100mw range. Look at the hl532 from laserbtb.com , and hulk from dragon lasers. These are both Chinese companies. Sorry but I don't know of a euro company's . The reason for more mw is that lower power wil make it very hard to see the beam. The will make it so only the person with the laser can see the direction of interest. About 100mw will let all spectators to see the intended star very well.
 
NightExplorer96

NightExplorer96

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speedlight said:
Hi greenlander, thank you for your quick reply. Do you think that 5mW is enough power for my purpose? I look at your link and if i correctly understood Laserglow ships items from Canada which could be a pain in the arse here in Italy due to duty and bad postal service this is why i'd prefer to buy from within EU.
What about this one SD Laser Kit: Adjustable Focus 50-60mW Green (532nm) Laser - Detailed item view - OdicForce Lasers Online Shop ? Do you think it will be a waste of mW?
Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...

Mhm, well the price seems accurate for 60mW of 532nm. I say go for it, it may not have an IR filter, but if you must buy from the EU that might be your best bet, and yes 60mW you will easily see a nice green beam :D
 
crazyspaz

crazyspaz

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you can find that same thing on ebay for less than half the price.
 
NO4H99

NO4H99

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I'd suggest a 100mw SFCG from Sci-Fi Lasers. Excellent customer service and the owner is a member here (TheJoker301). It will be at least up to spec, which may be a bit powerful for your purposes - but if you pick up some uvex glasses you'll be fine.
 
cheech226

cheech226

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50 - 100mW does just fine for pointing at stars. you may want to look at a direct green diode instead of dpss. they aren't as temperature sensitive and have a more stable output. you'll pay more for a laser of this type tho....
 
S

svdr

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I cannot agree with recommendations for lasers 50 to 100mW. For astronomy, any green over 5mW is way to bright. You will destroy your night vision with a green laser at 10mW. The laserbtb 5 mW 515nm direct diode is the perfect laser for astronomy. I prefer it over the cheaper 532nm DPSS lasers since the DPSS lasers will stop working at below 5°C. The 515-520nm direct diode lasers do not suffer cold temperatures. I am an astronomer, too.

Edit

If you want to buy in Europe, check your local astronomy shop. Most telescope sellers also offer green lasers for astronomy purpose.

http://www.astroshop.eu/finder-scopes/lumicon-universal-laser-pointer-bracket/p,6832
 
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cheech226

cheech226

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i'm with you on blowing night vision. but if one wants to point out polaris to a group of people a higher powered pointer works great.
 
Tmack

Tmack

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If I point with anything less then about 30mw no one can see the intended area unless we are almost cheek to cheek. Creech is right. If you want others to see, a higher power would be desired. An ebay pointer is very cheap, so if you want to try a lower power, grab one and test it
 
MessiTom

MessiTom

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This is all relative to light pollution. If your under truly dark sky 5mw is plenty for an astro pointer.

In the city it may not be enough, Although its a bit pointless doing astronomy in light polluted areas though.


<--------Is also an astronomer
 
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CameronJP

CameronJP

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50mw is perfect! My green is 55mw of 532nm, and everyone I'm with can see my beam. Even at festivals, people can see which star I'm pointing out from 50+ feet away! If the one you linked is at least close to spec, it will be just perfect!
Cheers! And be careful!
 
SerpantSlayer

SerpantSlayer

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A pen type laser would be suitable for your needs. Maybe from ebay, those tend to be overspec.
 
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