Two more cents: I have found my green laser to be very useful for identifying objects in the night sky for attendees at our public star parties and for pointing out objects to friends at private star parties. Yes, we could get along without the lasers, but I find the use of a laser much less objectionable than using a bright flashlight with a tight beam, as many have done, to point out objects at public star parties. Asking 20 persons in a group to all look through the finder on a telescope to see where it is pointed is not very practical. The laser is also much easier than another method: "Go three fingers to your left - no, your other left - from that bright star over that way - no the other way - until you come to a not-so-bright star just above that tree - no, THAT tree..." I can't see any connection between the use of a laser and how well one learns or does not learn the nighttime sky. I use mine to help others learn the nighttime sky. Whether they want to pursue their interest further has always been up to them. Well, maybe that was worth only 1/2 cent. Kim Hyatt Architect 1849 East 1300 South Salt Lake City, Utah 84108 Tel: 801.581.0561 Mobile: 801.631.5228 kimharch@msn.com<mailto:kimharch@msn.com> serius est quam cogitas