I'm planning on buying a 5mw green laser pointer to mount on my telescope. Is it illegal to use it at night, just pointing at the sky (not waving it around, obviously) or is it fine with the law? Must I have legal, signed documents to use for astronomy or must I be a scientist conducting an experiment?
2007-11-10 12:30:03 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
They are not illegal however it is very illegal to shine them into the cockpits of airplanes and hellicopters. That is a felony. DO NOT shine it in the eyes of a person or an animal. That could do permanent damage. Use it responsibly and you should be fine.
If I were you I would not mount it permanently to the scope. Make it detachable. Be careful using it at star parties. Some clubs frown on them mainly because of people who are trying to do astrophotography. Those people need to leave their shutters open for long periods of time and even a quickie green laser can ruin a nice shot. Check with the people that you go out with first before using so that you dont ruffle feathers.
Lasers are a great teaching tool but don't abuse them.
2007-11-10 13:09:56 · answer #1 · answered by B. 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
All the laws regarding lasers are referenced to their class. But I would think a 5mW laser would be perfectly legal. At least no pilot would be in any danger. Your people on the ground might not like getting hit in the eye with it, though.
2007-11-10 20:38:29 · answer #2 · answered by Brant 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
depends where you are, but in general I would hope you would be fine.. if you can find one over 5mw it likely won't be classed a pointer, ... normally I think they are just illegal for minors (children) to purchase in some areas, and use may be bared in places such as Iraq, due to the US militaries use of special green laser pointers.
Also there are specific production issues in the US but OEM and research classed lasers seem to overstep the restrictions..
http://www.megalaser.com/ <--- a little pricy
http://z-bolt.com/generic27.html?gclid=CKHMvvHZ048CFRJgWAodXUNa9Q <---- a little less costly
DIY
http://felesmagus.com/pages/lasers-howto.html
2007-11-10 20:58:34 · answer #3 · answered by intracircumcordei 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
no,no and no. they make some 5mw lasers special for astronomy. you can but them over the counter. no classes to take or papers to sign
2007-11-10 20:43:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
green lasers aren't illegal as far as i know, my teacher at a private school has a 50mw green laser, dont think its illegal at all
2007-11-10 20:34:20 · answer #5 · answered by Josh L. 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋