Banned: Pointing Lasers at Sky

Some places have banned pointing lasers up at the sky. Their reasoning is based on airplane pilots recently being blinded by lasers pointed at them. I've read posts by experienced pilots that doubt anyone could precisely target them while traveling at high speeds.

Can there be a nefarious purpose for the ban or is there nothing to see? (pun intended)

I am interested in the UFO and infrared camera phenomena and would like to attempt visual communication (with a laser )if possible. Any advice?

I dont know about pointing lasers at the sky but when I was young I remember a strange experience with a high powered flash light. I friend and I were spending the night at another friends house, out in the yard messing about around 12:00am and noticed an orange star. We got the flashlight and was joking about signaling aliens, flashing it at the star. When we flashed the light at another part of the sky, the star moved to that place. We did it 3 more times, and each time it moved. We got scared and ran inside, lol.

I own a 55mw green laser, and I'll tell you right now, I could target a airplane easy. Just know that anything over 5mw is illegal to use outside. To go a bit further, I believe its a federal offfense to point a laser into the sky at airplanes, and I wouldn't recomend it. It can blind people or atleast disorient them.

I got mine from here -
www.wickedlasers.com...

These guys have a portable handheld laser that can light a cigar!

Some pics I did a while back.

img65.imageshack.us...

img106.imageshack.us...

On a related note, a local guy on thier forum had a UFO encounter and posted it here.

www.mysticaluniverse.com...

He also happened to have his laser at the time.

[edit on 20-2-2007 by Freezer]

Freezer those are some really cool pics. Wow! Thanks for sharing them with us.

Did not know those lasers were available!!!!

wow that can be really dangerous to pilots

Cor !!! Who needs Luke Skywaker's light saber when you can one fo theose lasers instead !!! Pretty cool gadget!!! I dont think the ban on pointing lasers in the sky has anything to do with UFO's though.

I can tell you that this has been a topic of conversation at many roundtables.

A little over a year ago while I was participating on a two day project with Ruben Uriarte (the California Director of MUFON) we talked in length while staring up at the sky in search of 'fastwalkers'. The subject of bright lights came up after I had mentioned that on a different outing, one member wanted to flash his Hi-Intensity flashlight at the first sign of a possible UFO. I continued by saying that I had strongly urged him not to do so and to remain as close as to being a neutral observer as possible. Ruben then proceeded to tell me that my advice was very sound and then the subject gravitated to lasers, and again he said that it is not advisable to shine any bright object especially a laser at a craft or entity. He had reports and first-hand witness accounts to back that advice with.

So I would suggest strongly against doing so. In my opinion, it could be possibly be mistaken as an attack of some form. Granted you and I know that the smaller lasers if not aimed at ones eyes may not do any harm because were acclimated to that education and knowledge. But does the recipient on the other end (of possible extraterrestrial origin) know this?

Never assume someone else thinks like we do. Intentions are perceived in a number of ways, why tempt the possible negative choice...

My 2 cents

Johnny

I doubt that an advanced civilization — capable of traversing the expanses of space like it was a walk in the park, capable of zipping through our atmosphere with little or no disturbance, capable of flying rings around our fastest aircraft, and who have observed our exploits in nuclear fission since Day One — is going to mistake a little low-powered beam of light as a weapon.

Now, if we simple Earth folk were packing hand-held Graviton Wave Projectors or Neutronic Particle Beams, I can imagine that our extraterrestrial visitors might be a little miffed, in the same way we'd be annoyed should a chimpanzee brandish a fully-loaded pellet gun.

But simple lasers posing a threat to UFOs? Unlikely.

— Doc Velocity

[edit on 2/20/2007 by Doc Velocity]

I can see your train of thought Doc. And one might lean that way if one believes that there are not perhaps malevolent entities that exist too. If we are to assume that certain information is correct and that there are numerous races/species besides are own, one would also throw into the equation that not all are friendly. Otherwise we would not also have reports of cattle/human mutilations and/or abduction scenarios. I mean take our own species, not only can we not live together in peace on our Big Blue Marble but were willing to kill one another off in the name of God, Country and oil.

Perhaps I should have expanded a bit more with what I had been shared with. But rather let me add that there have been cases of abductions by some that were using strong lights as means of getting 'something/someones' attention and then things of a negative nature happen to them. Now whether this might be by the hand of terrestrial or extraterrestrial should not matter in this case. Would you not agree with that it would be preferable not to even be involved if there was the slightest chance of something negatively happening? Or would the illustration be more dramatic and fitting say if I related it to one perhaps playing russian roulette, one may be lucky a few times, but eventually it will go badly for someone. Whereas if one never picks up the gun and plays, he places a distance between the "here today, gone tomorrow" scenario ever coming his way.

Regardless as how one feels about it, I'm just offering what one person who oversees a large number of witnessed reports shared with me. And I don't know what your background is in with regards to ufology, so I may tend to gravitate towards the gentleman with a bit more information coming his way.

But in the end, I guess we all have to choose our own path to walk. I will hope that yours is a smooth journey.

another 2 cents worth (I'm up to 4 cents now)
Johnny

Well, yes, I can see how an Earthling may endanger himself by trying to signal a malevolent entity — whether by laser, radio transmission, or by Quija board — but such is the nature of human curiosity. We get ourselves into tight spots all the time, sticking our noses in where they don't belong, and this often results in our untimely demise. No wonder that coroners frequently pronounce the official cause of death as "misadventure." We're experts of dubious accomplishment in that regard.

Would you not agree with that it would be preferable not to even be involved if there was the slightest chance of something negatively happening?

Oh, I wouldn't agree with that at all. Defiance in the face of fear — or even death — is one of the purely human attributes that distinguish us from the lower animals. We don't live, as humans, by obeying our natural instincts to flee from the unknown. We may ever-so-briefly deliberate the outcome of a specific decision, but we almost always choose the most dangerous course of action. It's the hallmark of our species, it's what makes us so toxic to the rest of the lifeforms on this planet, and perhaps it's what makes us so irresistible to our extraterrestrial visitors. Say what you want about humanity, but we don't mind endangering ourselves and those around us, even if it means the extinction of our species.

My background in UFOlogy is purely amateur — as if there is an "expert" out there somewhere. I've followed the mainstream reportage, educated myself in the worldwide history of UFO sightings, and have actually seen a few unknowns in the process. I've even written a few published pieces, but nothing of which I'm particularly proud. I do hope to change that in this tumultuous and potentially lucrative Year of the Pig.

— Doc Velocity

[edit on 2/21/2007 by Doc Velocity]

You have voted Doc Velocity for the Way Above Top Secret award. You have two more votes this month.

Originally posted by Doc Velocity

Would you not agree with that it would be preferable not to even be involved if there was the slightest chance of something negatively happening?

Oh, I wouldn't agree with that at all. Defiance in the face of fear — or even death — is one of the purely human attributes that distinguish us from the lower animals. We don't live, as humans, by obeying our natural instincts to flee from the unknown. We may ever-so-briefly deliberate the outcome of a specific decision, but we almost always choose the most dangerous course of action. It's the hallmark of our species, it's what makes us so toxic to the rest of the lifeforms on this planet, and perhaps it's what makes us so irresistible to our extraterrestrial visitors. Say what you want about humanity, but we don't mind endangering ourselves and those around us, even if it means the extinction of our species.
I've even written a few published pieces, but nothing of which I'm particularly proud. I do hope to change that in this tumultuous and potentially lucrative Year of the Pig.

— Doc Velocity

Doc,
I voted for you not because I necessarily agree with everything you said, but I certainly did enjoy those posted thoughts as unfortunately it does appear to be a fairly astute if not honest observation of how many act and feel.

Even if your not proud of your published works, give me a U2U, I'd like to hear more about them.

Johnny

[edit on 21-2-2007 by JohnnyAnonymous]

Originally posted by simonmagus
Some places have banned pointing lasers up at the sky. Their reasoning is based on airplane pilots recently being blinded by lasers pointed at them. I've read posts by experienced pilots that doubt anyone could precisely target them while traveling at high speeds.

Can there be a nefarious purpose for the ban or is there nothing to see? (pun intended)

I am interested in the UFO and infrared camera phenomena and would like to attempt visual communication (with a laser )if possible. Any advice?

This resulted from someone modifying a distancing laser and it affected some pilots' vision.
There's a stiff penalty involve, and I do believe that give out there coordinates where they're affected. If there's a quick enough response, the offender gets charges with International Terrorism, being we have non-domestic inbound/outbound flights within our airspace.

Something like 40+ years. Isolation.

***I'm going to track the key-bunny there who keeps pre-modifying my posts: and you'll know where the Damn Enter key is at.



[edit on 2/21/2007 by bothered]

Originally posted by Doc Velocity
Say what you want about humanity, but we don't mind endangering ourselves and those around us, even if it means the extinction of our species.

Exactly.

If I see a UFO that's close enough, I'll be shining a torch light at it. If it's malevolent, then bring the fight on. I'd prefer a straight-up fight that would force disclosure one step further. Anything to prove the years of perpetuated lies would be welcome. I'm a credible witness in case something ever happens to me! Even if I am taken, my close relations and friends will know that something bad has happened to me.

If they're benevolent, they might wave back. If they're neutral, then they'll force me to bend over. Either way, any contact is better than none.

By not trying to contact them, I'll never know.

Freezer great pics!!! I want one now. It would enchance my Pink Floyd in-house air guitar show.

Like anything - put it in the wrong hands, there's always going to be hurt.

Pointing it at aircraft on arrival is silly.

Freezer, what is the range on that baby? Would it get something in geosync / leo??

Originally posted by tezzajw

Originally posted by Doc Velocity
Say what you want about humanity, but we don't mind endangering ourselves and those around us, even if it means the extinction of our species.

Exactly.

If I see a UFO that's close enough, I'll be shining a torch light at it. If it's malevolent, then bring the fight on. I'd prefer a straight-up fight that would force disclosure one step further. Anything to prove the years of perpetuated lies would be welcome. I'm a credible witness in case something ever happens to me! Even if I am taken, my close relations and friends will know that something bad has happened to me.

If they're benevolent, they might wave back. If they're neutral, then they'll force me to bend over. Either way, any contact is better than none.

By not trying to contact them, I'll never know.

Tez, I don't know about bentedness, but I wouldn't go inviting them for an up fight. Some of these Sci-Fi Horror flicks are scary.

Not to mention, the probings that are spoken of poorly by most, admittedly.

FWIW, I knew some guys that used to tune a big CO2 laser they were working on by aiming it straight up. We're talking 10kW here.

One day they got a knock-knock-knock, and pointed questions asking why they were using a laser to blind a certain IR spectrum spy satellite that was active at the time.

They got it sorted out in a few minutes but when the other guys left, they had a pointed suggestion that my friends not aim the laser into the sky anymore, and to get a decent calibration target instead.

I doubt that's why the pointer lasers are banned, but there is some precedent for people getting bent for the right SORT of lasers.

I've seen all sorts of lasers in the Santa Clara area, though. Someone had a big copper ion laser going one night when I was out there a few years back. And if you've got an IR viewer you can see IR lasers from time to time.

CO2 laser, that can get dicey. Using 10kw, how'd they prevent the air from ionizing at the edge and creating a back-fire corona? Or did they use a dampening-coil to smooth the power flow?

I picked one news source. There are many others out there that have reported this.

www.defensenews.com...

Read the article, judge for yourself.

Thanks

Originally posted by bothered
CO2 laser, that can get dicey. Using 10kw, how'd they prevent the air from ionizing at the edge and creating a back-fire corona? Or did they use a dampening-coil to smooth the power flow?

Hell, we had it mounted on a boat at one time. There was a big push for chemical-free control of hydrilla and water hyacinths, and the gubmint was willing to spend all of your money that made sense. So one of the guys I worked with at the Corps (I was a youngster then...16!) got this big-ass gas dynamic CO2 laser used from Sandia for somewhere around a hundred thousand bucks and put it on a barge with a big diesel to power it.

We cruised all over torching vegetation in the name of environmentalism. It was a lot of fun with this laser on a big swivel mount, and all of us in goggles like some sci-fi movie. At least it was until someone found out if you shoot ripples, it will spray back all over the boat. You never saw so many guys bailing off into the water screaming.

It didn't work really well at controlling weeds. It would burn them right down, don't get me wrong, but the roots remained under the water. You could fire down into the water and boil them to death but it wasn't very efficient.

Later on they had it on a flatbed trailer doing something or other. That's when they were tuning it by pointing it straight up.

I did find out that CO2 lasers are really good for blowing out glass at half a mile. For some reason, especially if it's cold, you can blow out window glass just like magic. I sort of wonder if that was what happened to all the plane windshields in Denver.

[edit on 21-2-2007 by Tom Bedlam]