I've used a green laser pointing things out to friends and neighbours
with great success. However, they do need to be standing fairly close-by.

So far as interfering with imagers, I've tried a few experiments myself
(both with a "real" astro CCD and a DSLR) and not seen any trails.

One question: why would anyone attempt any "serious" imaging at a
public gathering? The possibility of something ruining it (stray
lights from the uninitiated, accidental knocks, people standing in
the view etc) is so high there can't be much expectation of getting
a good result.
Obviously, demo imaging is a different matter, to show people what's
possible. Here the possibility is no worse than a stray aircraft/meteor.

Pete

On 2005-08-15, Paul Buglass paul.removethisandthisbuglassalsothis2005@btinter net.com wrote:
Hi all,

Are there any societies out there in the UK, or further a field, who use
green laser pointers at public star parties to guide the public around the
night sky?

If so, can you share your experiences with me please? How effective are
they? Any tips or problems?

We are getting one for use in the York AS, and we know about the common
safety issues such as avoiding aircraft and spoiling astro imaging, etc, not
to mention the obvious one of keeping it away from people in general, but
wondered of anyone has some good advice or experiences they could share with
us.

Thanks for your time.

Very best wishes and clear, dark skies.

--

/Paul Buglass, York, UK. - Chairman York AS.
http://homepages.tesco.net/paul.buglass/astrohome.htm
York Astronomical Society
www.yorkastro.co.uk






--
.................................................. .........................
.. never trust a man who, when left alone ...... Pete Lynch .
.. in a room with a tea cosy ...... Marlow, England .
.. doesn't try it on (Billy Connolly) .....................................