Hi all

Most active amateur astronomers who watch the news will have heard that the NSW Government has recently banned the use of green laser pointers, introducing severe penalties for carrying and using them - classing them as "dangerous weapons".

The Victorian Government has already banned green laser pointers over 1mw unless you apply for a permit, costing $180, much more than the price of the green laser pointer itself. It's likely that other states in Australia will follow suit, if they haven't already.

It's understandable that a great number of our community are very upset over this knee-jerk reaction by the State Governments - that our legitimate use of these devices is now illegal thanks to a handful of trouble-makers who shine them at planes as they approach for landing.

There are also those that feel legislation was inevitable, and as long as there is provisions for those of us that have legitimate uses, then they're happy for the new rules and will apply for a permit when one is available (anecdotal evidence shows that some police stations aren't even aware of it yet).

Amateur Astronomers legitimately use green laser pointers, usually ranging from 5mw to 30mw, in the following ways:

• As an education tool with public groups and at star parties. The green laser pointers are used to point out constellations, stars and other celestial objects with ease, and can be seen by a large group of people. This is impossible to do in the dark at night pointing with your finger. 
• Finding celestial objects. When mounted on a telescope using a bracket, or hand-held, the green laser pointed can be used to show where the telescope is pointing and the object being viewed. It can aid in finding celestial objects using star charts.

So what can you do? How can you make a difference? Depending on where you stand (this is an individual decision, after all), here are a couple of suggestions:

• Do nothing. Keep using your green laser pointer safely, ensuring you don't have it on when a plane is coming close by.
• Stop using your green laser pointer.
• Buy the permit when it becomes available.
• Sign an online petition to stop the anti-laser ban.
• Write to your local government member, explaining how you use green laser pointers responsibly and safely and how angry you are at this decision. (sample letter here)

It's too early to say what will happen to the supply and sale of green laser pointers from astronomy retailers - will they get cheaper, more expensive, or will they simply be withdrawn from sale completely? There are a large number of online shops, on ebay and elsewhere, that sell green laser pointers, including the very dangerous high power ones that fools who shine at aircraft are probably using.

Some astronomy retailers are likely to start offering the low-power 1mw version of the green laser pointer, which is still legal to own and use in Victoria - however it's unknown how beneficial these will be for our purposes in the more light-polluted areas or with larger groups of people who need to see the beam from further away.

There are a number of discussion threads on IceInSpace to read or contribute your thoughts, eg: NSW Govt bans laser pointers TODAY.

Let us know what you think - but just remember, while some of us may feel very strongly about it, argue the facts and don't get personal!

Keep following IceInSpace and i'll report more news as it comes to hand.