[AZ-Observing] Re: Messier Marathon and Laser Pointers
- From: <chaz@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 10 Mar 2005 22:51:23 -0700
I have no issue at all, wish my kids had the same interest.
Chuck Shields
----- Original Message -----
From: "Michael Wiles" <mwiles@xxxxxxx>
To: <az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2005 8:32 PM
Subject: [AZ-Observing] Messier Marathon and Laser Pointers
> I posted earlier this week regarding the acceptability of using my laser
> pointer at this weekend's Messier Marathon to help guide my 8 year old
> daughter around the sky at her first star party. There was subsequent
> discussion about its affects on visual observing as well as
> astrophotography. I just returned from a bit of time in the backyard with
> my wife, laser pointer and rich field telescope doing some satellite
> watching and have arrived at the following conclusions regarding the laser
> pointer and its use this weekend.
>
> A couple of times this evening pointing out satellites with the pointer, the
> beam crossed the FOV of the telescope as I was observing. Based on this
> experience, I have no doubt that the laser pointer would impact any
> potential astrophotography, and could be unnerving to a visual observer as
> well. So here is my plan for the laser pointer this weekend. Because it's
> her first star party, and I want to help her wherever I can, it is my intent
> to use the laser pointer where appropriate as we observe together in an
> effort to make the experience as rewarding as possible for her. Having said
> that, I also understand that there are other nights when I can take her to
> observe alone or in a smaller group than the Messier Marathon.
>
> As a result, if anyone has any objections to my use of the laser pointer,
> speak now or forever hold your peace!!! ;-). I'll respect anyone's wishes
> if they think it inappropriate, or detracting from their own enjoyment of
> the star party. At any point between now and dawn on Sunday morning, if
> there are objections, simply let me know and I'll happily discontinue the
> use of the laser pointer until another time. I want to make my daughter's
> first night out with a telescope as enjoyable and easy as possible, but I
> certainly don't want to infringe on anyone else's enjoyment in the
> process.
>
> The last time my Obsession actually bounced photons to my eyepiece under a
> truly dark sky was at the LAST Messier Marathon - so I'm looking forward
> to the prospects for this weekend. Hope to see all of you there.
>
> Mike
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