Green Lasers – Safety First

Direct viewing of a laser-pointer beam, even briefly and at a distance of a kilometer or two, has the potential to cause temporary flash blindness — the same effect you get right after a flash photo is taken — or afterimages. These effects last anywhere from seconds to minutes. Glare, which is a reduction or loss of central vision, lasts only as long as exposure to the beam. All these effects could be disastrous if they struck a person operating machinery, driving a car or truck, or flying a plane.

To help use our laser tools safely, the Amateur Telescope Makers of Boston, Inc. has adopted these recommendations as policy. These are based on suggestions from the Laser Institute of America and published in May 2005 by Sky & Telescope.

• Laser pointers are designed to illuminate inanimate objects. Never shine a laser pointer toward any person, aircraft, or other vehicle.
• Never look directly into the beam of a laser pointer of any type.
• Do not allow children to use a pointer unsupervised. Laser pointers are not toys.
• If your telescope is equipped with a laser pointer that has a "constant on" setting, do not leave the instrument unattended with the laser switched on.
• Do not aim a laser pointer toward mirrors or other shiny surfaces. The reflected beam may inadvertently strike someone in the eye.
• Do not aim a laser pointer skyward if you hear or see an aircraft of any kind flying overhead.