Principal mechanism
Incident radio waves reflect from a paraboloid to a prime-focus feed. A receiver amplifies the weak signal; mount drives aim the aperture. This is a geometric ray-optics teaching model, not radio-frequency electromagnetic field simulation.
Textbook relations
λ = c / f with c = 299,792,458 m/s (exact SI value). θ = 1.22 λ / D in radians is the Rayleigh angular scale of an ideal circular aperture. Aₑ = η πD²/4 and G = 4π Aₑ / λ² express illustrative aperture efficiency and idealised antenna gain.
Independent check
One calculation converts θ radians directly to arcminutes; a separate expression evaluates (1.22 × 180 × 60 / π) × c / (fD). Their difference is reported above.
Scientific fidelity
Genuine concepts: parabolic focus, RF feed, alt-azimuth pointing and diffraction-limited angular scale. Engineering-inspired reconstructions: backing ribs, gear race, cryogenic module, alignment points, cable trays and service platforms. Simplifications: flat polygonal facets, unspecified material thicknesses, ideal optics, no structural deformation, no radio interference, no real receiver noise or beam patterns. The moving cyan signal pulses are illustrative animation, not validated scientific simulation.
Illustrative design, not affiliated with any real institution or manufacturer.