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How to Make a Parabolic Mirror Out of a Satellite Dish

In 212 BC at the siege of Syracuse, Greek and Roman armies were locked in battle. One member of the Greek army, Archimedes, is the famous mathematician. During the conflict, Archimedes constructed a concave mirror, now called Archimedes Death Ray, that focused sunlight at a particular point on the enemy's ship. The heat generated by the mirror caused the ship to go up in flames. You can build a similar parabolic mirror out of a satellite dish to teach your students about solar power and the trajectory of light rays.

Satellite dish
Screwdriver
Dish soap
Sponge
Silicone caulking
2-by-2-inch mirror tiles

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the screws holding the satellite arm to the satellite dish. Remove the satellite arm.
- 2
  Wash the satellite dish with hot water, dish soap and a sponge. Remove any dirt, grime or debris that prevent the silicone caulking from adhering to the dish.
- 3
  Allow the satellite to completely dry before you apply silicone.
- 4
  Apply a 1-inch-diameter dab of silicone caulking to the edge of the satellite dish. Press one of 2-by-2-inch mirror pieces into the silicone and line up its edge with the edge of the dish.
- 5
  Continue applying dabs of silicone and mirror pieces to the outside edge of the dish until you make a complete circle.
- 6
  Apply the other mirror pieces using the same circular pattern until the entire surface of the satellite is covered with mirrors.
- 7
  Allow the caulking to set for 24 hours before you show it to your class.

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