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Just a comment about the use of laser pointers as a member of an Astronomical Society. It is my understanding that each State has different rules- so you need to check what is legal in your State; and if you are from another State but using a laser pointer (say at a Star Party), then you need to abide by the rules of the State you are in: not your home State.
Further, in SA at least, we (the ASSA) are required to hold a register of members who have laser pointers. This is updated regularly, and the members are issued with an identification card, including details of their pointer/s, that they may be required to show the Police. Just being a member of the ASSA is not enough, you must register your laser with the secretary. This is a condition that was included in the legislation when we negotiated directly with the SA Attorney General at the time (we even had him come to our observatory at Stockport and have a play with a laser pointer!). The alternative was that they could be banned outright in SA even for amateur astronomers.
So, bottom line: be very careful with their usage, and check the laws in your State.
All the best,
Dean
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