Astronomy has become a more sociable past time with the help of laser technology.

The Boyden Observatory, affiliated to the University of the Free State (UFS), has begun using laser pointing technology in its astronomy presentations.

The optical devices are attached to the telescopes used for viewing the stars and direct a beam of light at the star on which the telescope is focused.

The system is computer controlled and can track the movement of a star as it travels across the night sky.

The system offers astronomers the opportunity to know exactly which star their peers are discussing, even when they are not looking through the telescope, enthuses the UFS department of physics’ Matie Hoffman.

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