October 3, 1970 - 50 Years of NOAA

"This year, NOAA marks 50 years of science, service, and stewardship.”

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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) was officially founded on Oct. 3, 1970, but its roots go back even further. They can be traced all the way back to the 18th century, involving an admirer of weather who would go on to become U.S. president (Thomas Jefferson).

In 1807, Jefferson founded the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (as the Survey of the Coast) to provide nautical charts to the maritime community for safe passage into American ports and along our extensive coastline.

The actual weather bureau was founded in 1870, and then 100 years later, groups were merged to form NOAA. The idea was simple: The ocean and atmosphere are inextricably linked and that we depend upon it — not only for the quality of our lives, but for life itself.

Lightning/Pexels

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) was officially founded on Oct. 3, 1970. Photo: Pexels.

In the 50 years since its merger of science offices, NOAA has become a world-class science agency that analyzes and monitors everything -- from the floor of our deepest ocean to the surface of our sun.

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On today's podcast, Chris Mei discusses the history and origins of NOAA and how it came to be, its link to the third U.S. president and the importance of the organization modern-day forecasting.

"This Day In Weather History” is a daily podcast by The Weather Network that features unique and informative stories from host Chris Mei.