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ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Simple Astronomy Laser?

Joined
Jun 5, 2011
Messages
25
Points
0
Hello everybody!
I want to buy a green laser used only for star pointing (outside astronomy). This laser will not be used indoors or near anything reflective (used only in an open field/hill). I need the beam to be fairly visible, and not only on foggy days (as you cannot see many stars when you are surrounded by fog).

I've tried this with an overspeced 5mW (measured at around 10), but only a faint beam.

Could I have an estimate to how much power is needed?

A friend of mine bought these two lasers from DX:

$12.94 - 30mW 532nm Stars Light Show Special Effects Green Laser Pen (1*AAA) - Green Lasers

$18.60 - 100mW 532nm Green Laser Pen (2*AAA) - Green Lasers

He showed me that the laser beam is fairly bright, but I am asking for some advice from "the professionals".

Thanks for you time!
 





Joined
Jan 9, 2011
Messages
80
Points
8
If you are in for proper astronomy pointing, a 5mW is more than sufficient as anywhere with enough light pollution to render a 5mW beam dim will have too much light pollution to do much observation.
If you want to, say, point Venus in a Bortle scale 6+ environment, then a 30mW or "100mW" (probably nearing 50) will work fine.
 
Joined
Jun 5, 2011
Messages
25
Points
0
Thanks, but if I am willing to spend a bit more for one that will last longer, do you have any recommendations?
 

Helios

0
Joined
Jan 7, 2011
Messages
1,341
Points
48
For true astronomy you dont want a high power green as you want your full night vision but if you want something with a bright beam for fun these have a good reputation and arrive in a week or so instead of a month or 6.

Super #100 Green Laser Pointer 006 Signal W/CR123A USA | eBay

Several members here have metered these over 100mW so you will NEED to order laser safety glasses. You will also want to pick up some cr123 li ions and charger.
 
Joined
Jun 5, 2011
Messages
25
Points
0
Thanks everyone, I think that I'll stick with a 5mW for darker nights and may think about getting the o-like 50mW for use in the city. Thank you again!
 




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