Laser pointer are dangerous, so...

[Ags]

...why doesn't someone make one with a beam diverging by 1-2 degrees? By the time the beam gets up to airplane height it would be harmless...

[Peter Drew]

It would probably diffuse too much for astronomical use and would not appeal to the majority who buy them for "other" purposes. Sadly.

[skybadger]

Laser pointers are only as dangerous as pointy sticks. Let's ban them too. 

Can you tell I disagree with the title? Idiots are dangerous , laser pointers are useful tools. 

 

[Paul73]

Having been on the receiving end of an idiot with a laser pointer, I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiments expressed thus far.

It is fair to say that it is with the idiot holding the pointer that I have a problem, not with the aware careful users. Would you believe that people give these things to kids to play with!! A simple registration scheme would sort the issue. Most of the offenders would struggle with the application form......

Paul

[Alien 13]

I dont quite understand the dangerous aspect if they are used correctly and are of the legal power rating, I guess most people who drive cars have 5mW ones shone into there eyes everyday as part of traffic management/measurement and speed cameras etc.

Alan

[Zayvin]

Not really sure what the point of this topic is??

 

We all know they are potentially dangerous in the wrong hands, as with almost anything! In the correct hands they are a useful tool.

[Ags]

Well, I was just thinking a very small design change might render them less of a problem in the hands of either the irresponsible, or in the cases of legitimate use where something goes wrong.

[Paul73]

A sound question.

For Astro, other than for public pointing, ie, lecturing/ outreach, I can’t really see why you would need one?

Paul

[DeepSkyMan]

I agree with the sentimentiment it’s not the ‘tool’ that’s dangerous it’s the person using it.  These are quite safe to use so long as some simple precautions are followed.  Though I have to say that location is an I important element here, for example if you’re observing underneath the flight path of an airport then common sense dictates that this is a no go area for lasers.

I use a laser pointer in conjunction with my Sphinx SXW and 8” SCT, it is a useful initial star alignment tool, it allows me to zero in swiftly on a target star without having to peer into my  finderscope.  Once star alignment has been achieved the pointer can be switched off, though I have used it to paint targets for fellow astronomers, and on occassion for some of my imaging colleagues who do not have goto capability.

Paul.

[Bigwings]

11 hours ago, Paul73 said:

A sound question.

For Astro, other than for public pointing, ie, lecturing/ outreach, I can’t really see why you would need one?

Paul

Tools perform a useful function. My pointer finds targets without having to get in strange positions with my DOB and further screwing up my arthritis...

I live under an airway but I can tell the difference between aircraft nav lights and stars so no problems in 10 years.

[tuckstar]

I use mine for outreach. The kids love it and I'm always responsible when using it and explain the dangers to the kids. It is great just for the engagement.

[DaveS]

My mount has a built in laser for initial alignment, but living under / near the flight paths of both Heathrow and RAF Northholt, using it would be a good way of having black-clad heavies dropping down on ropes from helicopters.

[Ags]

I live next to Schiphol, so a laser pointer is unthinkable. That's why I'm thinking one with a gentle dispersion would be nearly as good.

[mikeDnight]

Ground the planes! It's the only sensible thing to do!! 

The benefits would be that atmospheric pollution would fall massively 

No more continuous contrails webbing the skies from horizon to horizon 

No one would have to fret about air cabin portability 

Seeing conditions across the UK and the rest of the world will improve drastically, with better transparency and superior definition 

If no one can fly anywhere, think of the money they'll save 

More money for eyepieces and telescopes 

laser pointers could be used without the worry of having the SAS dropping out of the skies like spider man, and beating you to death in front of your kids. 

Finally, ban laser pointers; the darn things are dangerous! Whats wrong with pointing with your fingers and explaining where to look?