Can a green laser pointer with low power be used for star-pointing?

[Eidetic]

Red laser pointers don't work well for star pointing because the wavelength is dim to the human eye. Green works so well because it's very highly visible to the eye. Viewing the beam from near its source is best because light is scattered backward better than to the side.

[astatic]

The problem is that we always look at this issue from the bad side: "You could blind someone with it"
True, but we could also blind someone with our projectors, should they be forbidden only because of that reason?
The reason why navyadmire wants a pointer is for me a legit reason, otherwise how would you point a star to someone else, your finger won't do the job (i've tried once and that doesn't work out)
But, i'm not aware of the rules where navyadmire would use his pointer.
I see he stays in NY, so i could imagine that there will be a problem with planes passing by an the rules!
If he wants to use a pointer and it's allowed i suggest a 5mw green pointer which will do the job by night, when the stars will be visible and you will see the laserbeam (green will be the most visible color).
But like others warn about, keep it in a safe place, don't let kids play with it or even give them a chance to get the laserpointer only because of there safety, it's you fully responsibility!

[navyadmire]

The problem is that we always look at this issue from the bad side: "You could blind someone with it"
True, but we could also blind someone with our projectors, should they be forbidden only because of that reason?
The reason why navyadmire wants a pointer is for me a legit reason, otherwise how would you point a star to someone else, your finger won't do the job (i've tried once and that doesn't work out)
But, i'm not aware of the rules where navyadmire would use his pointer.
I see he stays in NY, so i could imagine that there will be a problem with planes passing by an the rules!
If he wants to use a pointer and it's allowed i suggest a 5mw green pointer which will do the job by night, when the stars will be visible and you will see the laserbeam (green will be the most visible color).
But like others warn about, keep it in a safe place, don't let kids play with it or even give them a chance to get the laserpointer only because of there safety, it's you fully responsibility!

wow! you are exactly my bosom friend. you just know my thought. Thanks so much.

[Laser Zone]

Just shine a flashlight , you'll be fine .

[Fordinski]

then if green laser pointers are generally banned at large star parties because they interfere with those imaging, can it be replaced by other laser pointers or would star pointing derectly banned. you tell me 5mW of green light is plenty of power for this. that's what i want. thank you.

No - I've been to (and co-organised) a fair few star parties, and laser pointers are a no-go. Every time. Not only do they interfere with imaging, but they can easily ruin the eye's dark adaption, which takes ages to recover.

Red pointers aren't an option either - both for the reasons noted above, and because most astro LRGB images are built up through a series of four filters with the L coming from the Ha line at 656nm, and the red filter covering a far broader band...

The best way to learn the sky is with a star atlas and a *dim* red-filtered torch...

[bwang]

The reason why navyadmire wants a pointer is for me a legit reason, otherwise how would you point a star to someone else, your finger won't do the job (i've tried once and that doesn't work out)

The reason its sort of worrysome is because in a previous post, navyadmire asked about buying high-power laser pointers for burning things (http://www.photonlexicon.com/forums/...-laser-pointer), which isn't really an acceptable reason for owning a laser.

[astatic]

@bwang,
Yes i've seen it passes by, but my post is a reaction on this subject not for the other one.
So i still would say no problem.

[Fordinski]

Sorry, I should have been clearer - @astatic, you're right - a green pointer is a good way to share the sky if you are teaching the constellations to friends (I have one myself for this). My reply was about their use at star parties, which is an absolute no-no if others are imaging/scope observing...

[astatic]

No problem, i'm not familiar with star parties so i don't know about that, until know!

[Eidetic]

The reason its sort of worrysome is because in a previous post, navyadmire asked about buying high-power laser pointers for burning things (http://www.photonlexicon.com/forums/...-laser-pointer), which isn't really an acceptable reason for owning a laser.

"Burning things" isn't an "acceptable reason for owning a laser"?!?!??? Whole industries have been advanced because of that reason for owning a laser! And in the hands of an individual, still a very good reason to own a laser. Why not? If I wanted to play with a laser burning things, why should anyone care but an overprotective nanny?