1939 Press Photo Westinghouse Engineer Dr. Gilbert D. McCann & Lightning Camera

New Orleans, Louisiana, December 3 - Dr. Gilbert D. McCann, Westinghouse engineer, tonight described to the Southeastern District of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers a new battery-operated camera that collects data on lightning. Ten of these "eyes" - like the one shown here - have been installed on 100-foot state fire towers in western Pennsylvania. When lightning strikes a mast and jumps a half-inch gap in the camera, the flash is recorded on film covering a revolving disk operated by a tiny motor.

Photo is dated 1939.

Photo measures 10 x 8.25 inches.