Step outside North Dakota’s Gateway to Science and you might hear something unexpected—a whisper that travels farther than you think. 

Our new Whisper Dishes look a little like two giant satellite dishes facing each other, but they’re actually an incredible demonstration of how sound travels. Step up, stand in just the right spot, and whisper a message to a friend standing at the other dish. You’ll be amazed at how clearly they can hear you! 

The Science Behind the Whispers 

Each dish is what’s known as a parabolic reflector, a curved surface that focuses sound waves in much the same way a mirror focuses light. When you speak while standing at the dish’s focal point, your voice bounces off the surface and travels in a straight line to the matching point on the second dish. 

Even though the dishes are many feet apart, their shape and alignment allow sound waves to concentrate and travel between the two points. The result is a whisper that carries across the space, loud and clear to the listener on the other side. This is a great example of acoustic physics—how sound waves reflect, focus, and move through air. 

Experiment with Sound 

The Whisper Dishes are more than a quick photo stop — they’re an open invitation to experiment. Try whispering, talking, or even singing to test how your voice carries. Move slightly away from the focal point and notice how the sound changes. 

And don’t stop there—come back on different days and see what happens: 

• On a windy day, does the breeze interfere with the sound waves? 
• On a hot day, does the air feel different? 
• What about when it’s cold — can you still hear your as clearly? 

By playing and testing, you’re doing what scientists do every day: observing, hypothesizing, and experimenting. 

Give It a Try 

The Whisper Dishes are located outside near the main exit, making them an easy and exciting stop before or after your visit. This outdoor exhibit offers a unique experience that’s equal parts fun and fascinating. 

So plan your visit and start whispering—you might be surprised by what science lets you hear.