n MNASSA : Monthly Notes of the Astronomical Society of South Africa - Step 1 : turn on your mirror ... : miscellany

Abstract

Go buy a can of antifreeze at the motor spares shop. Add iron-oxide powder and shake vigorously. Pour into a shallow pan. Spray on a pinch of powdered silver, and turn on a magnetic field. Voilä! - an instant mirror! Can it really be that easy? Not yet, but a promising new technology suggests that, someday the answer might be "yes."