# Borrowed Light

Independent Studio Extension by Yangyang Li. 22 October 2026.
Unbuilt desk-object proposal. Not an astronomical simulator or solar-viewing aid.

## Source anchors

Dark field, circular red lunar texture, pale bright edge, occlusion/reveal.
The historical project title is preserved without asserting astronomical accuracy.

## Product architecture hypothesis

- Fixed light disc with opal diffuser and replaceable red textured insert.
- Separate opaque graphite shutter, captured horizontal rail and lower thumb tab.
- Broad base, mechanical travel limits, rear service access.
- Approximately 180 mm disc as a starting scale study only.
- No CAD, optical simulation, validated dimensions or electrical design supplied.

## Interaction rule

The web diagram uses equal circles and changes their separation. The slider
reports travel, not area or astronomical phase. A twelve-second eased return
loop starts only on request; dragging pauses it. Pause and reset are available.
The page-hidden and changed reduced-motion preference states stop playback.
Its static surface marks are illustrative, not real lunar geography.

## Physical prototype gates

1. Unlit card discs: silhouette, plane separation, travel and one-handed grip.
2. Rail coupon: retained shutter, removal resistance, stops and pinch clearance.
3. Base study: tipping, desk contact, accidental knocks and grip loading.
4. Low-risk lighting test with qualified support: diffusion, heat, glare and dimming.
5. Service study: insert replacement, cleaning, cable routing and rear access.

Material, impact, electrical and thermal safety need specialist validation before
manufacture or sale. The generated scene is appearance and usage intent only.