Not by any means a high power laser. The "research" is studies into atmospheric propagation of laser beams, which does not require "high power" at all---and in fact would be compromised by high power. The actual equipment in use for telescopic studies is the so-called "guidestar" laser that is used to probe the atmosphere to determine its refractivity (it causes fluorescence of a layer of sodium atoms high in the atmosphere). All these systems point upward. Pointing downward would constitute a safety hazard.
I am doubtful the Lahaina is "visible" from the Peterson facility. The topography has a high, mountainous "West Maui Forest Reserve" between it and Lahaina.
Not by any means a high power laser. The "research" is studies into atmospheric propagation of laser beams, which does not require "high power" at all---and in fact would be compromised by high power. The actual equipment in use for telescopic studies is the so-called "guidestar" laser that is used to probe the atmosphere to determine its refractivity (it causes fluorescence of a layer of sodium atoms high in the atmosphere). All these systems point upward. Pointing downward would constitute a safety hazard.
I am doubtful the Lahaina is "visible" from the Peterson facility. The topography has a high, mountainous "West Maui Forest Reserve" between it and Lahaina.
Ok... I need to check that out!