Up, Up, and Away: The Reinvigoration of Meteorology in the United States: 1958 to 1962

Abstract

Meteorology (later broadened to the term atmospheric sciences) received a much-needed boost in the United States during the period 1956 to 1962. It was primarily due to the efforts of concerned members of the National Academy of Sciences, several American meteorologists, and support flown the National Science Foundation (NSF). The story of NSF involvement with members of the atmospheric sciences community provides a miniature historical study of the development of the discipline, as well as an example of the functions of the science agency in accepting responsibility for promoting the creation of scientific knowledge and development of scientific talent.