[AZ-Observing] Re: GCSP North Rim Report
- From: George Barber <gbarber@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx, taaaforum@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2006 09:09:42 -0700
I'll pass this along on the TAAA user's group. I did find it interesting
that the lasers will travel that distance. Of course, the beam does
diverge, but still delivers a potent flash even after travelling through 10
miles of smoke, dust, and air. I did note that last Friday evening when
the North rim responded to the South rim.
I am often asked how far the beam travels "up" by the public whenever I use
a green laser. I know you can't see the actual beam for 10 miles because
of divergence and scattering, but it would be interesting to know how far
the beam is actually visible. Perhaps a safe experiment can be arranged in
the future.
Some of us have higher-power lasers, as we hold public star parties where
sky conditions are not as optimal. This does create a dilemna when it
comes to darker sites like the GCSP. The laser I purchased has an
adjustable power level, but was rather expensive. The one I had last year
(a 55 mW) quit working after a few months. I did a lot of research on
green lasers, and decided to purchase a high-end unit constructed to
perform at the specified power level without exceeding the internal
components' ratings. The adjustable level is nice, as I can actually
increase or reduce the laser's output depending on what I need. However,
with such a powerful unit, I do have to be very careful now! I would not
want to take out orbiting satellites (ha, ha). I purchased the unit from
Optotronics.
Perhaps we can find a better way to signal each other and say "hi", without
annoying those who are not interested.
George
"Steven Dodder"
<sdodder@hotmail.
com> To
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Subject
[AZ-Observing] Re: GCSP North Rim
06/26/2006 06:51 Report
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Having been on both ends of "laser wars", I'd like to negotiate an
armistice. It was an interesting experiment, to see how well lasers
traverse the ~9 miles across the canyon, but now it's turned into something
else.
Viewed another way, it was funny at first, but now it's just annoying.
I vote we cease and desist. Plus, I agree with Tom P. 5mW is plenty in a
dark site.
Steve and Rosie Dodder
sdodder@xxxxxxxxxxx
Visit my web site at http://www.stargazing.net/Astroman
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