Las Vegas Death Ray

Image source Wikipedia.

As part of Las Vegas’ CityCenter, the 57 story Vdara Hotel and Spa is a condominium complex, spa and hotel with 1,495 residential units.  It was at the Vdara that the term ‘Death Ray’ was coined.  It is the only high-rise on the Las Vegas strip that does not have a casino.

The building’s exterior surface is highly reflective glass and the concave shape of the structure faces south.  At a certain time of the day, about one half hour before noon and one half hour after noon, the sun hits the concave portion of the building then reflects down to the swimming pool.  Sounds harmless enough.  Not necessarily. 

On the afternoon of September 16, 2010, the phenomenon known as ‘solar convergence’ wreaked its havoc on the sunbathers at the Vdara swimming pool.  The ‘Las Vegas Death Ray’ melted plastic bags, which will melt at approximately 125 degrees.  The ‘Ray’ melted disposable drink cups, which melt at about 160 degrees.

Employees at the pool said ‘it feels 20 degrees hotter in the hot spot’.  Several of the sunbathers stated that they felt like they were being cooked.  Their sandals were too hot to put on their feet; although that’s the norm in Las Vegas, even without a death ray.  But they managed to run for cover in the shade of the outdoor cocktail lounge.  They all agreed that they felt like they were being cooked.  Then one of the guests mentioned that he smelled something ‘funny’, as they all did.  It was their hair.  Their hair had been singed in just the few moments of being the target of the ‘Las Vegas Death Ray’.

The designers and architects of the Vdara are working on a solution.

If you would like to earn money writing articles, join Bukisa here.