What - hardly any one signed the Laser petition

[rally]

I just logged on to the online petition and registered my protest vote.
Upon registering, the confirmation screen noted that I was only Number 220.

What ! - Only 220 people have registered their protest ?
Surely there are more concerned astronomers than this small number, or maybe its a case of not being aware that this was available - that being the reason for this thread

Or am I part of the minority group.

Cheers
Rally


PS: Added in the link from the IIS Home Page
http://www.gopetition.com.au/petitio...laser-ban.html

[leon]

Although I did vote on the petition, maybe some don't quite see it as the hype it created on the laser thread here.

Leon

[Screwdriverone (Chris)]

Just signed it, thanks for reminding me, I am number 221. Click on the "Green Laser Ban" article that Mike has posted on the "Latest Articles" section to the left << and then click on the Sign the Online Petition section at the bottom.

Cheers!

Chris

[Ric]

Thanks for the reminder, just off to sign it now.

I also sent letters to the various representatives at the state and federal level.

Cheers

[h0ughy (David)]

i already signed it

[cahullian]

I have a green laser pointer and I don't care if it becomes illegal or not. If it does I will dispose of it, if it does't I will keep it.


Gazz

[CoombellKid]

Being an ex laser technician, I suppose I should signed it... I must of
missed the original thread, so please poke me in the right direction.

regards,CS

[Screwdriverone (Chris)]

Click on the top link in the latest article section on the left

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Chris

[johnno]

I just Signed NO 234.

I dont own a green laser pointer,but I,d like to know I Could,
If I wanted to.

Regards.
John

[Rob_K]

I'm a bit like Gazz, don't care whether their legal or not and won't be signing the petition.

But there's another issue that doesn't seem to have got a lot of airing in this debate, on any of the forums I have seen. And that is the future of their use in astronomy.

The use of lasers in public outreach programs is a wonderful thing, where they are the ultimate tool for pointing out the 'treasures' of the night sky.

Everywhere else they are a blight on amateur astronomy IMO. This is because they are so intrusive. They may be easy and very effective substitutes for finder scopes, red dot finders etc, but they intrude on people's enjoyment of the night sky - visual telescopic observing, astrophotography, or just sitting back and drinking in the universe. I'm sure I'm not alone in thinking this.

One laser finder at a meet may be tolerable, but just imagine if everyone used one. And it's not just at meets. Try explaining to your neighbour why he can't have his back-porch light on while it's OK for you to put on a laser light display!

We congratulate ourselves on being the guardians of the dark night sky and decry light pollution, but with the increasing use of lasers we set a bad example in the eyes of the public - turn off all the lights folks, but it's perfectly alright for us to pierce the sky with multi-megawatt beams.

So legality or not, if they continue to proliferate, clubs and star party organisers at least may be forced to introduce codes of conduct.

Cheers -

[Outbackmanyep]

These signatures will not STOP the ban, but it may mean we have a voice where it is needed.

[Ian Robinson]

Don't have a green laser , mine is a red laser and only used every so often to check the collimation of my newtonian.

So I have not signed and am waiting to see how this new law develops.

[Stephen65]

Robb, the lasers astronomers use are milli-watt, a mega-watt laser certainly would be a concern for the authorities!

I don't know anyone who uses a laser as a substitute for a finder, I've seen them used as pointers for teaching or for polar aligning scopes at dusk.

[Rob_K]

Originally Posted by Stephen65

Robb, the lasers astronomers use are milli-watt, a mega-watt laser certainly would be a concern for the authorities!

I don't know anyone who uses a laser as a substitute for a finder, I've seen them used as pointers for teaching or for polar aligning scopes at dusk.

LOL, thanks Stephen, there I was burning planes out of the sky! But my point remains I think.

Using them as the sole finder is my main concern, and I personally have seen a number of examples of it. Polar aligning at dusk may be fine, but the sale and promotion of laser finder brackets and lasers as substitute finders goes beyond this I think.

Just a question, do those who polar align with lasers have them separately mounted, or do they swap finders after alignment? I just haven't seen anyone actually doing it before, it's not a loaded question.

Cheers -

[csb (Craig)]

I suppose it's a case of risk assessment - the risk of lasers being used irresponsibly is high.

And can lasers below Class IV still a pose a threat to pilots or even car drivers?

I'm curious, why not just ask that amateur astronomers be exempted.

I think if an exemption applies then a licence fee will be put in place to try to ensure only legit people apply.

Are lasers really necessary for amateur astronomy or just a very convenient device? I'm not sure why people use them instead of lens finderscopes.

I suppose these are just some things legislators will consider, if indeed they consider exemptions for astronomy.

[solissydney (Ken)]

I agree with Rob-K, as mature people why should we be playing with toys, like shining lights up in to the night sky. What is it that we can point out in the sky using a laser that we could not in the past using our fingers? Ban them all.

[Davros (Lauren)]

I find it a very usefull tool for finding objects with my Dob. I put the laser on what i want to look at then i can narrow down my search with the finder scope. Without the laser i am spending more time looking for objects than looking at them.

[GrahamL]

I agree with Rob ..in that they have a few very positive benefits to
astronomy (outreach) (collimation) etc .. but as a whole arn't they another form of light pollution ..If not someone please tell me why many Star parties feel the need to restrict or limit there use ?..My one and only experiance
was two people obviously standing beside each other were pointing at stuff in the sky together ..not a problem ..except somone trying to size up something feint and nearby hasn't got a chance.

You make a fairly good point there davros ..but be aware that If you go to astrofest this year and I hope you do
as its a great time you will not be able to use it ..red dot finders and there are a few around will do the same thing !

take care

[astroron (Ron)]

I have just signed, But have sent of letters to the Minister and local member
Ron

[Davros (Lauren)]

I agree they have their time and place and star partyies are not one of them. Mine gets used for backyard observing.