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They say that astronomy enthuiasts can apply for a "prohibited weapon". I bet that
1 the process is extremely convoluted and
2 Permits wont be free.
In Vic the only way a laser pointer can be used with astronomy sessions is to be fixed to the telescope NOT hand held, which is silly as using them hand held at viewing nights is the best way to point out objects in the sky to people.
I actually bought my pointer becasue I could see the writing on the wall, and wanted one before they became illegal, I have no intention of handing it in, which leads to another issue, theres no talk of an amnesty, they arent asking for laser owners to hand them in and offer money to do so. My 100 mw laser is bright enough to make a good pointer of astronomical objects at night.
The good thing about lasers is the visible beams can only be easily seen close to the beam axis, from a distance away its very hard to see, so unless I shine it at aircraft or people, no one will be able to locate the source of the beam. The idiots causing the problems do the above but will be long gone by time the beam source is pinpointed
Anyway on principle, id actually go to jail before giving up my laser.
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