Green Laser - What MW is recommended?

[aphex]

I want to get a green laser pointer for astronomy and was curious what MW was recommended?

Obviously, i would want the beam to be visible, is 10mw enough?

 

[Leper Messiah]

1 Gigawatt should be enough. And if those aliens come close...well...pwnt.

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: Leper Messiah
1 Gigawatt should be enough. And if those aliens come close...well...pwnt.

i dont want to burn the stars

I also wouldnt mind something to mess around with for some interesting photography....

 

[Special K]

I've read good things about this one:

link

 

[pontifex]

i personally wouldn't buy one. too much chance for it to cause trouble.
also, i hear most star parties ban the use of lasers (if you go to those). besides, if they think its more trouble than its worth, it probably is.

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: pontifex
i personally wouldn't buy one. too much chance for it to cause trouble.
also, i hear most star parties ban the use of lasers (if you go to those). besides, if they think its more trouble than its worth, it probably is.

Well i would have to be careful where i live as there is an airport less than 5 miles away and were directly under the pattern (right before they turn on final). That being said though, since the planes (typically 737's) are always so low, its not like i wouldnt see it coming. I can literally see the windows on the planes.

 

[yhelothar]

http://www.telescope.com/jump.jsp?itemI...ath=1%2C2%2C6%2C30&KickerID=613&KICKER
another green laser pointer made specifically for astronomy.
That think geek one looks better though.

 

[mugs]

I was trying to figure out how you'd power a 10MW lazor, then I realized you meant mW.

 

[Viper GTS]

http://www.bigha.com/laser/models/index.php

Electronically controlled to 4.99 mW.

Viper GTS

 

[Kadarin]

Originally posted by: mugs
I was trying to figure out how you'd power a 10MW lazor, then I realized you meant mW.

What? You don't think he's got a portable tokamak hanging around?

 

[Viper GTS]

Ooh this one looks like fun:

http://www.blueskymarketing.co.uk/mega_green/index.htm

Bah try this:

http://www.blueskymarketing.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=252

Would that even be legal in the US?

Viper GTS

 

[aphex]

Ended up picking up a 5mw Astra on ebay for $48 shipped. It arrived today and what a perfect night to test it, the foggiest night ive seen in years.

HOLY.... CRAP....

It is bright as hell.. Even indoors the beam is clearly visable, but outside in the fog, its like a disney light show

 

[George P Burdell]

Originally posted by: Leper Messiah
1 Gigawatt should be enough. And if those aliens come close...well...pwnt.

LMAO

 

[Shadowknight]

The only green laser pen I've seen could be seen for over a mile. It was stated that pointed at someone's eye it would immediately cause permanent damage. If it was that type, no, I wouldn't even consider getting one, no matter how cheap the price.

 

[DaFinn]

I've seen some 50mW lasers with my friends who are into that starwatching stuff... Don't really care about them stars, but DAMN those lasers were bright. Especially on a slightly foggy evening :Q

 

[Rubycon]

If you think 5 mW is bright you should see 500 mW! A friend of mine has a portable laser (about the size of a mag 3C flashlight) that puts out HALF A WATT at 532. It's like a light sabre and crazy dangerous to "play" with. He also has a 5W IR unit that appears about as bright as a red laser pen but will light cigars instantly. It's used to align point to point microwave arrays from one mountain to another. (hehe I wonder what it's really used for! )

We have 10W ion lasers in the theatre but those are not as "fun" since they're not portable.

Anyway for pointing out heavenly bodies 5mW is nice with green and it won't get you in too much trouble if you hit an eye with it - providing it's not the eye of an airliner captain! :Q

 

[bernse]

Originally posted by: MS Dawn
If you think 5 mW is bright you should see 500 mW! A friend of mine has a portable laser (about the size of a mag 3C flashlight) that puts out HALF A WATT at 532. It's like a light sabre and crazy dangerous to "play" with. He also has a 5W IR unit that appears about as bright as a red laser pen but will light cigars instantly. It's used to align point to point microwave arrays from one mountain to another. (hehe I wonder what it's really used for! )

*furiously starts searching the internet to purchase a 500mW green laser*

 

[jcovercash]

get at least 25-30mW. that can be seen for 27 miles....

 

[Rubycon]

Originally posted by: bernse

*furiously starts searching the internet to purchase a 500mW green laser*

There's no turnkey product for civilian use - yet. Either way probably going to be expensive as the 300 mW version is not cheap. Text

 

[skyking]

those things are dangerous as hell. You can't see the plane 10 miles away, but you can sure as hell accidentally blind the pilot.