Safe use of lasers?

[G-Man]

A lot of astrophotographers use a laser, usually green, to align their star tracking equipment with the North Star. I've avoided this because of the potential danger to aviators, even if I can't see any aircraft. It's my belief the laser, especially green, can be dangerous for many miles and way beyond VLOS. Some astrophotographers I generally trust are saying that if you're reasonably careful, this is not a big deal. I'm not so sure since it seems like a mistake would be very bad for the pilot/passengers.

Is there a safe way to use a laser for this?

 

[Av1ate]

No, there is not a safe way to point a high powered laser into the sky. But we do appreciate you asking.

 

[eman1200]

 

[decalogue]

Chance of this causing a problem is very very very small, yeah go geek on

Also as far as laser strikes, we have pilots who get hit, often by someone very low IQ type trying to point it at a plane, piLot go try to stare down the laser, yeah I don’t understand ether, I’ve been hit a few times and it was a nothing burger, but Im a odd ball and don’t go trying to look into the laser

If you are pointing at a fixed position in space, it’s a near nil chance it’s a issue, and if it was, as you are not trying to track the plane, the next report they won’t have anything to report

 

[dans2992]

I believe the lasers sold/used for this purpose are not going to permanently blind someone in a millisecond.

That said, don’t stare at it. You’ll be fine.

There is even a green laser sold as a signaling device… to signal rescue aircraft after you crash. So, yes, it can be done safely.

 

[Baked Potato]

If you are pointing at a fixed position in space, it’s a near nil chance it’s a issue

Different perspective on Big Sky Theory!

 

[Let'sgoflying!]

I live near a research observatory (just establishing my bonafides lol)

-green lasers
-very low power lasers
-intermittent, brief use (momentary switches)
-specific direction (no sweeping)

 

[Gary Ward]

I got hit with a green laser one night a couple years ago from someone in Mt Carmel Indiana.
It scared me big time, I thought I was going to collide with another aircraft.
I didn't report it and wish I would have.