Laser Pointer Finder

I have installed a laser pointer to my telescope as a tool for locating objects. The laser pointer is mounted on a finder scope holder with collimation screws to enable alignment with the telescope. It has a toggle switch that allows the laser to be turned on and off.

Using laser pointer as a finder

To find an object such as a galaxy or a nebula, I turn the laser on and point the telescope to the target’s approximate location as indicated in a star map. If the target is too dim and there are no bright stars in the vicinity, I just use a pair of binoculars to spot the target and then slew the telescope manually to the target. The laser allows me to know precisely where the telescope is pointed at, and then use the laser to guide the telescope to the target. Observe safety precautions when using laser pointers.

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Night Sky in Focus 
© Anthony Urbano | Bacoor, Philippines


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du1au@nightskyinfocus.com

One thought on “Laser Pointer Finder”

  1. I often considered the same idea but due to legal difficulties with laser pointers here in Oz I opted for a red dot finder instead, which did pretty much the same thing. Then I discovered plate solving!
    🙃

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