Is it ok to view the beam green laser?

Question

I have a 35mw wicked laser for star pointing but was wondering is it ok to look a the beam directly not into it like pointing it at your eyes but. just the shaft of light going ionto the sky.

When i first got it the dot on a white wall was really bright and hurt my eyes a lil bit but viewing the beam it doesnt hurt at all.

Ive heard you can look at the beam but not proglonged time at the acutal dot.

Answer 1

It's not a good idea to let the light from any laser shine directlty into your eye.  Viewing the beam from the side is not harmful.

Answer 2

looking at the beam going in to the sky is what we use green lasers for. they are really handy.

they aren't toys. i handle mine like a loaded gun, and am always ultra-careful where i point it before i press the button.

Answer 3

No, it is not ok to view the beam green laser as it can damage our retina.

Answer 4

Tina is correct. The purpose of the laser pointer is to be able to point out astronomical objects with it. When used properly, it is very handy, especially for large groups, classes, etc. However, it is dangerous and obnoxious to point it anywhere but up at those objects (and not at aircraft, either). The beam is harmless when seen from the side or behind, but it can inflict pain and suffering  and possible permanent damage when shined directly at someone. (ADDED: They are also not made to be used indoors). Most astronomy clubs have policies in place limiting the use of these things for that reason, and all responsible astronomers use them with care and respect.

Answer 5

You can certainly look at the beam from the side with no concern.  BUT DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY INTO IT!  Or point it at someone.  Your laser is powerful enough to cause immediate eye damage if looked directly into.

Just to give you a little bit of confidence, I work with 500 mW red lasers and 4-10W green lasers on a daily basis.  That's 10 to 100 times more powerful than your laser.  And I look at the beams from the side all the time.  But I would NEVER put my eyes anywhere close to those beams.  Even putting a piece of paper in the 500 mW beams makes a spot much too bright to look at.  (Putting a piece of paper in the green lasers would just burn a hole in the paper.)  So as long as you view your laser from the side or behind, and never put the laser close to an eye (or a mirror) you will be fine.  Be very careful where you point it!

Answer 6

I think you'd better not view the laser directly. More or less the beam will hurt your eyes.

Answer 7

It is ok to look at the beam but not into the beam (the beam actually hitting you in the eye).

Answer 8

NOT a good idea, it can damage your retina if the beam enter your eyes, but as long as you don't do that its perfectly safe to follow the beam from the rear.