Red-finder scope vs mW l@ser
Green-dot:
Red-dot HUDs are great for someone looking down the pointing direction of a telescope, but not to guide the eyes of a class-sized crowd standing around.
I've asked this before, but I'll try again, both because MagnusP has been described the professional lasers, and the thread has been re-energized by news that UK-based laser-wielding moocs are getting convicted:
10-W yellow/orange professional astronomy observatory laser beacons are launched from Mauna Kea, Hawaii, Palomar Mt, nr San Diego, Mt Hamilton, nr San Jose, and from Cerro Paranal near Antofagasta, Chile, as well as from several air force observatories in Arizona and Maui, Hawaii. Human spotters ensure that these DO NOT point at aircraft (and USAF Space Command checks that they do not fire in the direction of satellites). Has anyone flying around noticed the ~50-km high beams from these facilities?
Last edited by awblain; 20th Aug 2009 at 21:58.
Reason: a to @ translator misses the Title