Cue references to that old Arthur C. Clarke story

[james_davis_nicoll]

A new London skyscraper dubbed the "Walkie Talkie" has been blamed for reflecting light which melted parts of a car parked on a nearby street.

Comments

[scentofviolets.livejournal.com]

I've heard claims that what happened in the story could never happen in real life, but I'm unfamiliar with the explanation. The only thing I can think of is some sort of defocusing effect as the air heats up around the target.

[xiphias.livejournal.com]

I quote myself: "Xiphias' Law: That which happens is possible."