thumbnail of Atomic Energy Films; 3; Atomic Weatherman: Strontium-9 Isotope Applications
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Series
Atomic Energy Films
Episode Number
3
Episode
Atomic Weatherman: Strontium-9 Isotope Applications
Producing Organization
Atomic Energy Commission
Contributing Organization
Library of Congress (Washington, District of Columbia)
AAPB ID
cpb-aacip/512-3f4kk9527g
NOLA Code
ATEF
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Description
Episode Description
This semi-technical film tells the story of the worlds first radioisotope (i.e. radioactive isotope) powered weather station, which is operating, unattended, at a remote site in the Canadian Arctic. The atomic weather station is powered by a thermoelectric unit in which the heat from the decay of strontium-90 is directly converted into electricity. The film includes the major steps in the identification, testing and preparation of the strontium-90 titanite compound; the principle of direct conversion of heat into electricity; how the generator operates; the weather stations equipment for sensing, data-processing, control and transmission; the 4,000 mile journey north into the remote Canadian Arctic aboard an icebreaker; and the installation and the successful transmission of weather information. In particular, the film encourages the development of strontium-90 thermoelectrical sources for unique small-scale power applications. The film also gives brief information on other applications of strontium-90 thermoelectrical devices. ATOMIC WEATHERMAN: STRONTIUM-90 ISOTOPIC APPLICATIONS: produced for the Atomic Energy Commission by the Martin Marietta Corporation. Running Time: 18:30 (Description adapted from documents in the NET Microfiche)
Series Description
These six films coincide with the twentieth anniversary of the activation of the worlds fair nuclear reactor. The run from between 10 minutes to thirty minutes long. (Description adapted from documents in the NET Microfiche)
Broadcast Date
1962-00-00
Asset type
Episode
Genres
Documentary
Topics
Science
Media type
Moving Image
Credits
Producing Organization: Atomic Energy Commission
AAPB Contributor Holdings
Library of Congress
Identifier: 2325614-1 (MAVIS Item ID)
Format: 16mm film
Generation: Copy: Access
Color: B&W
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Citations
Chicago: “Atomic Energy Films; 3; Atomic Weatherman: Strontium-9 Isotope Applications,” 1962-00-00, Library of Congress, American Archive of Public Broadcasting (GBH and the Library of Congress), Boston, MA and Washington, DC, accessed June 7, 2025, http://americanarchive.org/catalog/cpb-aacip-512-3f4kk9527g.
MLA: “Atomic Energy Films; 3; Atomic Weatherman: Strontium-9 Isotope Applications.” 1962-00-00. Library of Congress, American Archive of Public Broadcasting (GBH and the Library of Congress), Boston, MA and Washington, DC. Web. June 7, 2025. <http://americanarchive.org/catalog/cpb-aacip-512-3f4kk9527g>.
APA: Atomic Energy Films; 3; Atomic Weatherman: Strontium-9 Isotope Applications. Boston, MA: Library of Congress, American Archive of Public Broadcasting (GBH and the Library of Congress), Boston, MA and Washington, DC. Retrieved from http://americanarchive.org/catalog/cpb-aacip-512-3f4kk9527g