The science
Textbook laws: λ = c / ν; Aₑ = ηπD²/4; G = 4πAₑ/λ²; GdBi = 10 log₁₀ G; θ₁ = 1.22λ/D radians. θ₁ is the first-null angle of an ideal uniformly illuminated circular aperture, not the real half-power beamwidth.
Textbook constant: c = 299,792,458 m/s. Illustrative defaults: D = 32 m, ν = 1.4 GHz, η = 0.65. Scaled paraboloid: y = (x² + z²)/(4f), f/D = 0.40. For the independent check, reflect d = (0,−1,0) using d′ = d − 2(d·n)n, n ∝ (−x/2f,1,−z/2f), and intersect the axis.
Genuine science: parabolic focusing, aperture and diffraction relations. Engineering-inspired: panels, trusses, mount, feed horn and service systems. Educational simplifications: perfect surface, fixed efficiency, axial rays, schematic receiver electronics. No full-wave electromagnetics, noise, atmosphere, structural deformation or servo simulation. No speculative scientific mechanism is used.
Signal markers and mechanical transitions are slowed illustrative animation, not validated scientific simulation. Changing diameter rescales the interpretation of the complete geometry; frequency changes readouts and signal-marker timing, not a physically scaled wavefront.
Illustrative design, not affiliated with any real institution or manufacturer.