"John Ruddy" wrote in message
. uk...
After having seen a couple in action at some recent star parties, I am
interested in purchasing one of these - they seem ideal for pointing
directly at stars and planets to help people locate objects. However, I am
at a loss as to what I am looking for in one - a quick perusal of ebay
shows models from 5mW up to 100mW. Obviously the more powerful one is,
they brighter the beam, and the further it will travel, but I dont want to
go overboard - they seem to increase in price quite rapidly, as well as
being more dangerous!


Can anyone help advise me on this?

You can't go wrong with buying a 5mw green laser from Howie Glatter:

http://www.skypointer.net/

He is a fellow astronomer as well as a manufacturer of laser collimators,
etc., and is a supporter of astro events.

Dennis