One last unsolicited comment (collective sigh of relief): Kurt is quite correct in pointing out the danger of the careful, laser-using amateur astronomer being unfairly lumped-in with those who think of these devices as toys and/or use them carelessly, possibly endangering the public. It is up to each of us to be very careful to not target aircraft, to observe laws and regulations related to laser use, and to not target people in general any closer than several miles. Having done this some 30 years ago, I was aware of the non-visibility of the beam to anyone off-axis, so with a carefully chosen path, plus my choice of set-up location (within 50 feet of the entrance to a staffed law-enforcement agency), and a safety-oriented mindset, I was not worried about causing any harm or breaking any laws. I also have used my laser from my backyard to point-out astronomical objects to my wife and daughter, again never even getting the beam close to aircraft. With forethought, and an attitude of safe use, we should be able to continue to use these tools without interference from government or an uninformed public, but it's clearly on our own shoulders to make it work. We can't be held responsible for the idiots. The same arguments for safe gun ownership apply to laser owners. __________________________________ Yahoo! Mail - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005 http://mail.yahoo.com