Sep
30

Today in Smithsonian History: September 30, 1936

Secretary Charles Greeley Abbot is seen here talking with an unidentified person in the South Yard behind the Smithsonian Institution Building or "Castle." (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.)

Secretary Charles Greeley Abbot is seen here talking with an unidentified person in the South Yard behind the Smithsonian Institution Building or “Castle.” (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.)

September 30, 1936 Smithsonian Secretary (1928-1944) and astrophysicist Charles G. Abbot tests a solar radiation steam boiler of his design. The National Broadcasting Company films the test and a short program is broadcast by solar power. The solar radiation steam boiler exposes 36 square feet of mirror surface, and it is intended to produce about one-half horsepower at the engine. The device has many defects and is too large to be practical for generating solar power. After the test a smaller solar flash boiler is prepared and offers greater promise.

Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution Archives

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Posted: 30 September 2019
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