ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF)

Imagine a giant sunny playground where people can test toys that run on the sun's energy. This playground is called the National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF).

NSTTF is a place where scientists and engineers test different things that use the sun's energy to work. They want to make sure that these things work well before they put them in houses, buildings, or on top of cars.

At NSTTF, there are big mirrors called heliostats that are as big as a house! These mirrors move around and focus the sun's rays onto a small spot. That small spot can get very, very hot, like a laser beam. It's so hot that it can melt metal! Scientists can test things there to see how well they can handle the heat.

There are also big towers at NSTTF. These towers use the sun's energy to make hot air rise up and move around. The hot air can make turbines spin, which can make electricity for homes and buildings.

NSTTF is a special place where people use the power of the sun to test new things and make sure they work before they're used in real life.