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This is a regular yet fascinating discussion. I've never had the opportunity of using a laser pointer for astro purposes, only observed others using (and occasionally abusing) them. The only method I've ever used in 30 years is a combination of a Telrad or finderscope and star hopping techniques. I'm not suggesting that observers should reject any tools that assist them in their search for faint fuzzies but I've never understood this constant obsession with them. I've had the impression over recent years that GLPs are becoming like a trophy to some people. I said some, not all.
So a genuine question without putting down those who own or desire such a beast: why are some peope so desperate and obsessed to acquire a laser pointer?
I can however see the occasional benefit of using then to point out objects and constellations to groups of people (public etc.) mind you I had a dear friend in the ASV who for many years presented Sky for the Month at meetings and astro camps. He used nothing but his voice to guide groups of people on a star hopping tour of the night sky. No laser pointers, no instruments of any kind. I learnt from his techniques and now do the same.
Last edited by stephenb; 03-03-2012 at 06:35 AM.
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