WGBH produced Science Reporter in the 1960s, during the days of Sputnik
and the race to space. Host and science reporter John Fitch of the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology went behind the scenes of America's space effort, visiting space centers from coast to
coast.
What were scientists excited about in the 1960s? These three episodes of Science Reporter will take you back in time. (You'll need QuickTime 7.)
Inside the Haystack, 1964
Inside the Haystack
Herbert Weiss of the Microwave Research Facility discusses the design and capabilities of a 120-foot
radio antenna used for satellite communications, radar tracking, and radio astronomy.
Sounds from the Ground, 1964
Sounds from the Ground
Paul Green of the Seismic Discrimination Group
explains how seismometers work and how, in an effort to distinguish an earthquake from an
underground nuclear explosion, they are used to discern the direction and source of an underground
disturbance.
Computer Sketchpad, 1964
Computer Sketchpad
Steven Coons, associate
professor of mechanical engineering at MIT and codirector of the Computer-Aided Design Project,
explains the principles of the graphical computer interface system "Sketchpad," used to graphically
model and solve problems of mechanical engineering.
What were scientists excited about in the 1960s? These three episodes of Science Reporter will take you back in time. (You'll need QuickTime 7.)
Inside the Haystack, 1964
Sounds from the Ground, 1964
Computer Sketchpad, 1964
