I remember when I was a kid, I thought laser pointers were the coolest thing in the world. Times change, but my love for lasers remains the same - I still think they're cool. But what can be done with them? There are plenty of ways to have fun if you have a laser pointer.
These toys have been popular for many years. They consist of a small power supply and a laser diode that emits a steady beam of light in one direction. Unlike a flashlight, a laser beam can travel long distances without being scattered, which makes lasers useful in science and communications.
This article is written to help you have a great time with your brand new laser. I hope it will be useful, and you will find something for yourself that you have not thought about yet. Well then, let's start! Also check out 10 Real Life Star Wars Inventions.
1. Laser pointers and long exposure shots
Want to take some amazing photos? All you need is a decent camera and a laser pointer!
Everything is very simple - place the camera on a tripod or any flat surface, set a slow shutter speed and start doing whatever you want with your pointer. The camera will capture all the light, and you will get very beautiful photos.
Because the laser pointer can emit light without you being in the frame, you can create some cool effects to impress your friends with.
Professional photographers can try this too, because with a pointer you can literally draw on objects with light (if you're very careful)!
Just don't get the light in your eyes or anyone else's eyes, as it could damage your eyesight.
2. Cats love them!
Another fun activity with a laser pointer is to play with your cat and drive her crazy! They especially like more powerful pointers, for example, with a green beam.
When cats see a small dot jumping across the floor, predatory instincts wake up in them. It must remind them of a bug or some other insect, but most cats just love to chase a laser pointer across the room anyway. You can even make them tumble in the air.
I've heard people think it's cruel because cats can't catch a laser, but all the cats I've seen just love it and will molest until you play with them. Just do not direct the beam into their eyes, it is just as harmful for them as it is for people.
Many dogs will also enjoy playing with lasers!
3. Study the nature of light reflections, shine through the glass
And here's another cool thing you can do - shine a pointer through various glass surfaces and watch how the light reflects.
My favorite objects for this activity are geometric crystals (but be careful with the eyes!), or a cool-shaped glass. A glass of wine is also great! Quartz or other reflective stones will create an impressive effect.
It is especially fun to do all this with children, because it is so educational! You can show them how light changes direction when it hits a solid or reflective surface, and you can also change the nature of the reflection by moving the crystal or light source!
4. Learn how light responds to sound vibrations
It'll be cool! Get a tin can or something similar (a Pringles can will work too). Cut off the end to make a hollow cylinder. Then put a balloon or piece of rubber on one end (you can, for example, surgical gloves).
Attach a mirror or any other reflective surface to the rubber end and then aim the laser pointer at the mirror. Have someone shout or say something into the open end of the jar and see what happens to the light when the mirror vibrates.
You will see the laser move and jump as the person speaks. If you did everything right, he will jump like crazy, especially when the vibration subsides. This is a very interesting way to spend time with the laser, and it will be very informative and interesting for children.
You can also attach a mirror to the speakers, point the laser beam at the mirror and turn on the music. The effect will be almost the same.
Avoid contact with the eyes of the person who will scream into the jar!
5. Fog generator and laser pointer
A great opportunity to fully enjoy a cool laser pointer is to buy a fog generator! They are usually used at special events and theaters, but you can very well get one for your home for little money.
Everything is quite simple: let the generator fill the room with mist, then turn on your pointer. You will be able to see the entire beam, not just the dot at the end of the laser. You will love how amazingly fast the laser beam will cross the room.
Just don't breathe in the mist that this machine produces all day long, so limit yourself to a couple of minutes at a time.
This trick can also be done outside on a foggy evening or when it's very dusty. In any case, shining through the fog with a laser is cool.
6. Laser sight on air pistol
Another cool thing you can do with a laser pointer is to attach it to an air gun like a laser sight.
Obviously it won't be 100% accurate (the gun will most likely hit the target 2cm below where the laser is pointing to, depending on how you set it up), but given that air pistols themselves are not very accurate, not a big loss.
This is a great opportunity to work on your shooting skills, and pretending to be SWAT can be a lot of fun.
Just in case, I repeat - never aim a laser at people's eyes, it is very dangerous!
7. Green laser pointer and astronomy
This type of pointer is so powerful that it can be useful in astronomy. They can be used to direct people's attention to constellations, nebulae, and other distant objects in space with amazing accuracy.
The beam can be seen because it usually attracts atmospheric particles. A laser pointer is a great tool for looking at the night sky as it will help you make sure you and your friends are looking at the same thing.
Be careful, carefully aim the green laser beam. It is very powerful, and in many countries you will be heavily fined if you point it at an airplane or helicopter. Check all local green laser laws and only use them in places where you won't disturb anyone.
What NOT to do with laser pointers:
- As mentioned several times already, eyes and laser pointers are far from being best friends. Lasers can burn the retina and cause severe visual impairment or even loss of vision. So be careful.
- Do not point laser pointers at air or land vehicles. It's illegal in many countries, and can result in a hefty fine or even jail time, so it's really not worth it. The laser can distract the driver and lead to a serious accident, and the police take it quite seriously.
- Don't point the beam at someone you don't know or at a stranger's house. It may sound funny to you, but seeing a laser in your own home is scary enough, especially if you don't know where it's coming from. This is an invasion of privacy, and not a fun pastime at all.
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