Langley, Samuel Pierpont
Published: June 19, 2008, 3:56 pm
Updated: June 19, 2008, 3:56 pm
This article has been reviewed by the following Topic Editor:
Peter SaundrySamuel Pierpont Langley (1834-1906), an American astrophysicist and astronomer who was a pioneer in the measurement of the solar constant and the study of the infrared portion of the solar spectrum. In the late 1870s, Langley developed the bolometer, a device capable of accurately measuring thermal radiation. Langley's bolometer was so sensitive that it could detect the thermal radiation from a cow from a quarter of a mile away. His first “map” of the infrared portion of the solar spectrum was published in 1894. In the 1880s, Langley became interested in the prospect of heavier-than-air flight. With a grant from the United States War Department, he built a full-sized aerodrome, the 'Aerodrome A', with a gas-powered engine. In 1903, the Aerodrome A crashed immediately after being launched from a houseboat over the Potomac River; it was too heavy to fly. Langley did not make another attempt at flight. A few days later on December 17, 1903, the Wright brothers successfully flew the first powered, manned flight. While the Wright brothers were recognized as “first in flight", Langley is credited with influencing their achievements and with helping establish the United States as a leader in aerodynamic research.
Further Reading
Are you absolutely sure you want to delete this article? This process cannot be undone and is permanent.
Yes, Delete This Article
Are you absolutely sure you want to remove this article? This process cannot be undone and is permanent.
Yes, Remove This Article
Citation
Cutler J. Cleveland (Lead Author);Peter Saundry (Topic Editor) "Langley, Samuel Pierpont". In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [First published in the Encyclopedia of Earth June 19, 2008; Last revised Date June 19, 2008; Retrieved May 26, 2013 <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Langley,_Samuel_Pierpont>
The Author
Cutler J. Cleveland is Professor of Earth and Environment at Boston University, where he also is on the faculty of the Center for Energy and Environmental Studies. Professor Cleveland is Editor-in-Chief of the Encyclopedia of Energy (Elsevier, 2004), winner of an American Library Association award, the Dictionary of Energy (Elsevier, 2005), Handbook of Energy (Elsevier, forthcoming), and is the Founding Editor-in-Chief of the Encyclopedia of Earth. He is the recipient of the Adelma ... (Full Bio)
Samuel Pierpont Langley (1834-1906), an American astrophysicist and astronomer who was a pioneer in the measurement of the solar constant and the study of the infrared portion of the solar spectrum. In the late 1870s, Langley developed the bolometer, a device capable of accurately measuring thermal radiation. Langley's bolometer was so sensitive that it could detect the thermal radiation from a cow from a quarter of a mile away. His first “map” of the infrared portion of the solar spectrum was published in 1894. In the 1880s, Langley became interested in the prospect of heavier-than-air flight. With a grant from the United States War Department, he built a full-sized aerodrome, the 'Aerodrome A', with a gas-powered engine. In 1903, the Aerodrome A crashed immediately after being launched from a houseboat over the Potomac River; it was too heavy to fly. Langley did not make another attempt at flight. A few days later on December 17, 1903, the Wright brothers successfully flew the first powered, manned flight. While the Wright brothers were recognized as “first in flight", Langley is credited with influencing their achievements and with helping establish the United States as a leader in aerodynamic research.
Further Reading
Are you absolutely sure you want to delete this article? This process cannot be undone and is permanent.
Yes, Delete This Article
Are you absolutely sure you want to remove this article? This process cannot be undone and is permanent.
Yes, Remove This Article
Site Options
Samuel Pierpont Langley. (Source: Smithsonian Institution Archives)
0 Comments
Add Comment