Laser Pointers

[Tropo-Bob]

One of these would have been handy at a few of my recent, joint observing seasons. Are they available anywhere, or are they now completely banned?

[Tinderboxsky]

Hi Bob,
Answer varies from state to state. You will need to check the Qld legislation and regulations. Someone else here may know the Qld rules.
Here in Tas, astronomy is listed as an approved activity allowing for the possession and use of a laser.
Telescopes and Astronomy in Adelaide, sell a wide range of lasers. I have one of their locally made lasers. It works well, is robust and reliable.

[Sconesbie]

I'm in Tas also. I called customs a couple of years ago about this. I wanted to order one on Ebay and was worried it would be taken before it got to me. They told me that if it is less than 1 milli watt it is ok. As long as it was used for the purpose I mentioned (astronomy). The person I spoke to was actually very helpful.

[RB]

Bob, have a look on ebay and find one that ships from within Australia.
Check your local laws.
In NSW if you're a member of a recognised Astro Society and it's 1mW or less then you're allowed to use it for astro.

The better ones are the 515-520nm green as they're not as sensitive to cold conditions, different diode to the 532nm.

The 532nm ones are more common, cheaper and more susceptible to the adverse cold at night but if you keep them in your pocket to keep them warm between uses then they're good to go.

Here's one I found when I did a quick search on ebay.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/333942097539?hash=item4dc0800683:g: SJAAAOSwXDhgZHjx

Do your research and obviously be careful and mindful of aircraft in your area when using one.

RB

[Hans Tucker]

Only in Victoria are these treated as a Fire Arm and are to be stored in the same manner.

Here is a previous thread on the topic: http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=22107

[Tropo-Bob]

Thanks guys. I have just ordered 2; one for me and 1 for my observing buddy who keeps pointing in the dark. :lol:

[Merlin66]

In Victoria a police permit is required. Not cheap.

[Tropo-Bob]

It looks like I have to keep it locked in my old cash box under lock and key and make sure my buddy is prepared to do likewise before I give it to him.

Qld laws can be found at:

https://www.police.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-01/Laser-Pointers.pdf

[AstroJunk]

I bought a <1 mw laser to help with alignment and look what arrived from ebay! I thought it was bright when I first used it.

I stopped using them for teaching and outreach and switched to a bright LED torch which can be focused to narrow beam because I discovered that as soon as the light sabre came out, no one was interested in stars anymore :rofl: