Astronomical Laser Pointer It is a very effective tool for astronomers and stargazers, but buying it can be a very difficult decision if you do not know the specifications, precautions and its correct use, so we teach you all that and more right here.
What is it and what is its function?
The laser pointer can have many uses in different work areas and in other presentations, but in Astronomy it basically works to point to the sky, it can help indicate some figure or constellation that we want to show others. The usefulness of the pointer in astronomical observation can be a very beautiful spectacle, being able to witness how the beam of light is reflected in the darkness of the night can give us the impression that the light is really touching the sky.
There are many kinds of laser pointers, the first ones that were manufactured were gas-powered and after those came others to improve their usefulness and facilitate vision for the human eye, usually those used for astronomical observations are diode-type, which ensures that the current of energy can travel in only one direction and that it is not allowed to deviate, also using a lens to better project the light.
The specific function of a laser pointer can be compared to the light of a light bulb, since a light bulb can throw more light than a small laser, however the light spreads throughout the room, which limits its scope.
We can take a flashlight as another example; this could be considered the middle ground between the two since it has a more precise focus than a light bulb, but since its function is to illuminate and not aim, the projection is much smaller than that of a laser and has less range, and the light is not pigmented and could be very easily confused.
How to choose a Astronomical Laser Pointer?
There are many kinds of laser pointers, the list is shortened a bit when they are used especially in astronomical studies, but even so it is still a very extensive catalog and when choosing one, several specifications must be taken into account. To begin with, we must determine the specific use that we are going to give it, since a Astronomical Laser Pointer it can come in different presentations and sizes depending on the objective.
There are some that can be attached to a Telescope to facilitate the observation of some stars, while there are others that are more common in this environment, which unlike the previous one are smaller and are designed to emit light for a shorter period of time, it is recommended not to keep them on for more than 30 seconds and thus be able to extend the duration of the product.
Power
Another very important aspect that we must consider is the power of the laser, many believe that the power of the laser pointer makes its brightness much more noticeable, however the recommended power in astronomy is from 5 to 200 milliwatts (mW) if its use is professional and from 1 to 5mw if it is for hobbies or recreational/tourist activities.
A much higher intensity would make observation difficult, since the brightness would be so dazzling that the view would have to get used to it and some stars would look opaque, in addition to the fact that the more power the cost also increases. The Astronomical Laser Pointers they are normally class 2 or 3B, we must also be vigilant when buying it and make sure that the product has a power that is safe and that we can handle.
There is also the fact that in some countries the potency of this product is verified and for some its sale and distribution is prohibited, in addition to the fact that there are laws that regulate its use, this being the consequence of several events in which its function was lent to bad intentions. We must emphasize that mishandling this tool can be very dangerous.
Color
On the other hand we have the color, the Electromagnetic spectrum What a laser pointer emits must be visible to the human eye, and how noticeable it is depends mainly on the color, instead of the power that, as we mentioned before, is what many people believe.
The most recommended color for a laser pointer is green, although originally they were manufactured in red due to their low cost and over time more colors such as orange, purple or blue were implemented.
These colors can be seen reflected in a range whose comparison allows us to know which our sight is more sensitive to, based on this, it was possible to conclude that it is much easier to perceive the green color, especially in a dark environment, such as it is the cloak of the night, to all this we can add that green is a much less dangerous color for the eyeball compared to others.
Category
There is a classification to determine the power of a Laser Pointer allowed in some nations and depending on the region you are in, you should check if the power of the product you want to purchase is legal.
- Class 1: They are considered safe in any situation in which their use is properly correct and they can have direct contact with the eyes (even using a tool that increases their focus), without seriously affecting vision.
- Class 1M: They are considered safe as long as they are used correctly, which must be specified by the manufacturer, however they can cause severe damage to the ocular system if an instrument that increases its focus is used.
- Class 1C: They are manufactured so that their contact with the eyes is safe, but the radiation they produce can be harmful to the skin.
- Class 2: Its power is 1mW, visual reflections provide enough protection so that contact with the eye is not harmful, even if instruments that increase its focus are used.
- Class 2M: As in class two, visual reflections prevent any damage, but with this class, the use of instruments that increase your focus can be detrimental to your eyesight.
- Class 3R: Its power is 5mW or higher, the light beam it emits is dangerous to the eye.
- Class 3B: Their power ranges between 5mW and 500mW, the light beam they emit is extremely dangerous (more than class 3R), but if the light hits a surface that is not flat, its reflection is relatively safe. Its measures of use are more restrictive than with class 3R and it has more manufacturing conditions.
- Class 4: Their power is greater than 500mW, they are extremely dangerous and their direct, indirect or reflection contact can be very harmful to both the skin and the eyes and can also cause fires.
Accessories
Some laser pointers run on disposable or rechargeable batteries, while more modern ones are rechargeable via a USB cable. This will always be included in the instructions and may vary depending on the brand or model you choose. It's important to note that, aside from being used for entertainment, this is a delicate object that must be properly cared for, including the charging method, to avoid damaging the product.
There are pointers that have the option to change the size of the beam, depending on how contaminated the space is in which we are using it. There are also some that have accessories and serve to reflect shapes that help you cover a larger space.
Climate and Atmosphere
You should consider that the perceptibility of the light beam can vary depending on light pollution, air pollution and the climate of your region, so you must first have a location that stays cool and that the night sky can be seen with the naked eye.
Pointers tend to decrease their performance when used in places where temperatures are very low, so you must be sure that the product can withstand the cold and still perform its function.
It is advisable to use them when it is very dark and the entire sky is illuminated only by Stars We recommend that you consult with a colleague of work or hobby about a model and brand that you have acquired and know that it fulfills the function you want.
It is curious to know that the beam of light does not actually touch any star, it does not even pass through the atmosphere, which can mean a barrier for today's great astronomers since it hinders what can be a much more in-depth observation. of all the bodies that exist in the vast space, far beyond our small planet.
The small disadvantage that the extensive layer of gases generates is that in view of the lens it causes a blurring effect and makes the stars look very blurry or gives the impression that they are in a rapid and constant movement, action which is non-existent. However, the great advances and discoveries have allowed an important improvement to reduce the impact that the atmosphere produces in the observation of space from the ground.
Using the Astronomical Laser Pointer
We already mentioned that the first thing you should consider when purchasing a laser pointer is the use you are going to give it, since in astronomy you can use it for many activities, such as briefly pointing to some part of the sky, this will serve in expeditions, recreational activities, tourism or if you have a hobby of exploring space with friends who share the same taste.
Or in much more fun activities and with better company, you can use it to spend quality time with your family, especially with the little ones in the house who will surely love to enjoy the visual spectacle that accompanies a laser pointer or will be fascinated by being able to show you their favorite stars.
On the other hand, it can be very useful in the work environment if you do the incredible work of an astronomer or some similar job, and it can also be very practical in research in which you use the sky as an object of study, which is an important aspect to consider, as well as your choice of a manometer. In some of these cases and together with other tools it can make the process of locating the planets of the solar system, constellations or other celestial bodies.
We can also find Astronomical Laser Pointers In enormous sizes, it is used by stations that are responsible for locating and monitoring satellites, they use an enormous laser equipped with other instruments, including a telescope for observation and a receiver that receives the beam of light that hits the satellite and returns to the station where calculations are taken and the distance between the base and the device is measured, in order to know the displacement it has made.
In addition to those already mentioned, an astronomical laser has many other functions, such as monitoring other objects in space, calculating from time to time the volume of the earth with all its reliefs and alterations in the structure that is constantly changing, measuring the distance from the Earth towards the Moon (which is moving away every year), and the distance to other Planets as well.
Astronomical Laser Pointer Precautions
The most basic preventive measures are some that we have already mentioned before, such as not pointing at anyone's eyes as this can cause injuries to the eyeball, in the worst case it can even leave a person blind. Do not point at any mirror, glass or window as the reflection may come back to you or in someone else's direction.
You should also not point or signal at airplanes, helicopters, or any other means of ground transportation, as the effect inside a vehicle or cabin can cause glare and lead to a serious accident. In many regions, this is considered a traffic safety offense. You should not use it in an airspace under any circumstances, all in order to prevent the aforementioned.
This product is not a toy, but in the event that it is used by an infant, it must be strictly under the supervision of their parents or a responsible adult who is aware of the prudent measures to handle this device. You must verify that the product is certified by a national security entity and that the device is fully equipped with all its accessories and its corresponding documentation.
We know that there are many rules, specifications and caveats regarding these laser pointers and that in the end we just want something that can point out what we are seeing in the sky, what we want others to see and have a good time in a group.
However, all these instructions and precautions are so that those moments do not turn into a terrible accident that can cause permanent damage to someone we love or even to ourselves. That is why we ask you to be very careful and preventive when purchasing this product and that the use that is given to it be by complex adjusted to its functions.
