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Preparations for Solar Broadcast

Smithsonian Libraries and Archives

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Object Details

Author

Tolman, Ruel P (Ruel Pardee) 1878-1954

Subject

Abbot, C. G (Charles Greeley) b. 1872
National Broadcasting Company (NBC)
South Yard
Smithsonian Institution Building (Washington, D.C.)
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Category

Historic Images of the Smithsonian

Notes

ee Neg. #s SIA2011-0166 through SIA2011-0173 and 4694C for other views of the Solar Boiler.
This image was taken by Ruel P. Tolman, former Director of Smithsonian National Collection of Fine Arts, and is included in a scrapbook of photographs of Smithsonian staff, grounds and buildings, exhibitions, and Washington, D.C. scenes. (Section A)

Summary

In the South Yard behind the Smithsonian Institution Bulding or the "Castle", preparations are being made for a solar broadcast on September 30, 1936, when fifth Smithsonian Secretary and astrophysicist Charles G. Abbot would test his solar radiation steam boiler of his design. The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) filmed the test and by operating an electric generator a short program was broadcast by solar power. Abbot with his back to the camera is standing to the right. The Castle can be seen behind the South Yard.

Contained within

Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 7433, Box 3, Folder: Scrapbook II, 1934-1942, A-N

Contact information

Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu

Date

c. September 30, 1936

Standard number

SIA2011-0171 and 32605-6

Restrictions & Rights

No restrictions

Type

Event
Photographic print

Physical description

Number of Images: 1 ; Color: Sepia; Size: 2.25w x 2.25h; Type of Image: Event; Medium: Photographic print

Data Source

Smithsonian Archives - History Div

Topic

Inventions
Astrophysicists
Special events
Secretaries
Event
Astrophysics
Solar energy
Smithsonian Institution--Employees
Secretariats
Solar Boiler
Scientific apparatus and instruments

Metadata Usage

Usage conditions apply

Record ID

siris_sic_13394

Discover More

solar wall

Our Star: Our Sun

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