2006-06-28 13:28:02 · 9 answers · asked by Swampy 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
So much misinformation in the answers here. Your laser pointer will hit the moon, but because the power of the laser is small, less than 1 watt, you can't detect the reflection. With a 100+ watt laser beam, striking the reflectors that were left on the moon's surface, and using a telescope, the return can be detected and even measured.
2006-06-28 19:04:56 · answer #1 · answered by NotEasilyFooled 5 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Au contrair, previous answerers. A green laser could hit the moon. A laser pointer, no.
NASA actually has very sophisticated (and powerful) lasers that are capable of cutting chucks of steel or rock in outer space. Lasers are created with such a small wavelength that they can concentrate a beam over great distances. Have you ever wondered why you can shine a little dot on a wall 25 feet away, but if you use a flashlight, the dot is huge? It's all because of frequency. So, in theory, should you build a big enough laser, you could cut the moon in half. Have fun with that!!
2006-06-28 15:12:52 · answer #2 · answered by moleman_992 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it could hit the Moon, but no, the spot it would make on the Moon wouldn't be bright enough to see. A laser pointer is not nearly bright enough. The University of Texas McDonald Observatory bounces lasers off the Moon and they use a very powerful laser and a big telescope.
2006-06-29 02:40:46 · answer #3 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Another problem with trying to hit the moon with a laser pointer is dust. If you were in deep space, and shined the laser pointer towards the moon, it would reach it. From earth, however, the laser would hit particles of dust, water, and even air would block the light from reaching the moon.
2006-06-28 17:33:08 · answer #4 · answered by alphanum3ric 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if you hit one of the reflectors we left up there during the moon missions. It takes 3 seconds for light to make the round trip.
2006-06-28 13:31:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The really strong ones actually can, but you cant see it...it is way too far and bright to spot it...in theory you could see it with a strong telescope.
2006-06-28 13:31:30 · answer #6 · answered by Nostromo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope.
2006-06-28 13:31:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A really bright one could. I am not sure if you could see it.
2006-06-28 23:37:48 · answer #8 · answered by Eric X 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
only a violet one, not a green one because it does not have neough frequency
2006-06-28 13:50:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋