I've found (as no doubt all of you have) that private star parties are not the best venue for serious imaging. for me, the operable word is "party" and that may imply choosing socializing over imaging or science. My feeling is that if you really expect to have no issues with others while you're imaging, then choose another time and another place to do it, as I've learned to do. Having said that, how do folks feel about green laser pointers? I find them very useful at "private" star parties as well as public events. When trying to help someone star hop to that faint object I'm observing, the pointer is much easier and less disruptive to night vision than to pull out the charts and use a flashlight, whether red or not. I have not heard any arguments against green lasers that are not based on their effects on imaging. So if you shouldn't expect perfect imaging conditions at a star party, what's wrong with the green lasers? Thoughts? Kim Hyatt Architect 1849 East 1300 South Salt Lake City, Utah 84108 801.631.5228 kimharch@msn.com<mailto:kimharch@msn.com> serius est quam cogitas