Quote:
Originally Posted by rainwatcher
A somewhat disturbing thread. There is no need for green hand held lasers, outside of the laboratory, in Astronomy. They should be banned.
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I use a GLP. When attached to my scope it makes setup and aligning a breeze. Infact I rairly use the findersope at all. Once aligned I remove the Laser and pocket it until needed, 1. to keep it warm, 2. to keep it away from anyone temped to fiddle. I also use it to point out objects to other poeple, it makes it so much easier than just pointing and trying to explain WHERE you are pointing. I too have NEVER seen other Astronomers abuse them.
Peter, while you have every right to your opinion, can you justify the reason they should be banned? other than the fact that in the hands of a brainless idiot they can be dangerous? Is that not also true of Motor Vehicles? Should these be banned as well? GLP's are just tools that alot of astronomers choose to use, as it makes the enjoyment of the hobby so much more rewarding. If you choose not to use them, that is your right, and your decision would no doubt be respected by the rest of us, but to come out and just state that "there is no need for them", and "they should be banned" without any other explanation isn't very respectful of the rest of us who do choose to use them. Banning them doesn't mean they will be unobtainable, just more sought after.