Preparations for Solar Broadcast

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.

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)

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

Restrictions & Rights

No restrictions

Topic

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

Form/Genre

• Event
• Photographic print

ID Number

SIA2011-0171 and 32605-6

Physical description

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

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