Preparations for Solar Broadcast

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
: 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

c. September 30, 1936

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

Smithsonian Archives - History Div

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