I bought one of those cheap red laser pointers for my grandson and was surprised how far they would carry at night.
I could shine my mailbox which is a hundred yards away and the beam was still nearly as tiny as it started. This one was powered by 3 1.5 volt button cells which were included and the whole thing only cost a dollar.
I decided it would be too dangerous for him at his age.
Shining one at airplanes at night is a felony.
The issue with the green laser pointers is that the quality control is spotty. Frequently they output far greater power than is allowed for the stated class. Moreover, many of the cheaper ones do not have an IR filter in the optic train so you get not only to much power but you get lots of nasty IR that does lots of damage.
The average owner probably shouldn’t have one since they do not respect the danger that these lasers pose. Not unlike having someone own a gun who has no safety training
I use a red laser pen - bought 10 ($6.99ea) of ‘em as gifts for self, family and friends - for improving eye-hand (CCW) coordination while not on shooting range. I aim at all kinds of things around the office and at home, and have surprised customers/family when they walked in my office door. LOL. 2 AAA batteries and that thing carries 200yds, easily.
I use a red laser pen - bought 10 ($6.99ea) of ‘em as gifts for self, family and friends - for improving eye-hand (CCW) coordination while not on shooting range. I aim at all kinds of things around the office and at home, and have surprised customers/family when they walked in my office door. LOL. 2 AAA batteries and that thing carries 200yds, easily.