How to Build a Solar Death Ray

Turn sunlight into fire! This step-by-step DIY guide shows you how to build a powerful solar death ray using a magnifying or Fresnel lens. Focus sunlight to ignite paper, burn wood, melt plastic, or even boil water—just like a miniature solar furnace.

Inside, you’ll learn:

✔ How to choose the best lens for maximum heat

✔ Step-by-step build instructions for a stable, hands-free solar burner

✔ The science explained—why light concentration generates extreme temperatures

✔ Fun challenges & experiments like solar wood carving and survival fire-starting

✔ Printable experiment tracker to log ignition times and focal distances

Perfect for science lovers, survivalists, and anyone who loves harnessing the raw power of the sun.