Recent content by chicagoastronomer

Hehe... Breathe deep, the gathering gloom... 50 mw seems to be the sweet spot for good visible beams, (which is probably actually lower), and for group instruction. I'm this close from ordering the DX ones.

Benm, For a few seconds of operation, the light pollution is minimal and remember...this is not a countryside setting, but Mercury Vapor soaked city skies, where a 5Mw laser is a weak beam at best. Often, after viewing objects in the eyepiece, visitors usually ask where it is in the sky and...

Cyparagon, In all reality, lasers are a more recent addition to the gear and astronomy has been successfully experienced forever. I do use the 50mw for quick aiming and locating, but in public astronomy, it's all about the presentation and show - more than just plopping down a scope and...

Petacat, Light Pollution. Must punch through the orange blanket of muck. Those H-Alpha scopes are indeed a window to a hidden world. Very cool.

Petacat, Yes, I have encountered the "chill" factor with lasers here in Chicago, but if I can keep a chemical hand warmer on the batteries, it may be enough to keep them toasty for a pubic session. Are the working parts of the laser affected as much as well? And.... I dig the 9.25s. It's...

Magonegro, I was looking at those at DE a few weeks ago, and thought that perhaps I could utilize the exact same ones for my project. I'm pleased that you think so too, but wouldn't I need more than just one set of batteries, (2x 1.5v), to run all three? Astrolaser, This is what I have on...

Hi laser kids, Cool site and a great data/knowledge base. I have a question..... I have been using 50Mw+ Green lasers in my astronomical public outreach sessions, both in-hand pointers and mounted on the Telescope via a Zhumell laser holder. Using it to slew to celestial targets is a great...