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Is it illegal to use a green laser for astronomy purposes?
I'm planning on buying a 5mw green laser pointer to mount on my telescope. Is it illegal to use it at night, just pointing at the sky (not waving it around, obviously) or is it fine with the law? Must I have legal, signed documents to use for astronomy or must I be a scientist conducting an experiment?
Answer: They are not illegal however it is very illegal to shine them into the cockpits of airplanes and hellicopters. That is a felony. DO NOT shine it in the eyes of a person or an animal. That could do permanent damage. Use it responsibly and you should be fine.
If I were you I would not mount it permanently to the scope. Make it detachable. Be careful using it at star parties. Some clubs frown on them mainly because of people who are trying to do astrophotography. Those people need to leave their shutters open for long periods of time and even a quickie green laser can ruin a nice shot. Check with the people that you go out with first before using so that you dont ruffle feathers.
Lasers are a great teaching tool but don't abuse them.
