Peter Black

Location of Interview
Collection Name

American Meteorological Society Centennial Oral History Project

Description

In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of theAmerican Meteorological Society, interviews were conducted with its many members and leaders.  These interviews serve to recognize the strength, diversity, and accomplishments of the AMS community, from the beginning right up to today.

For more information, visit: ametsoc.org/index.cfm/ams100/oral-histories/

Interviewer
Date of Interview
04-19-2018
Principal Investigator
Audio
Transcript
Biographical Sketch

Peter Black is a renowned meteorologist who has dedicated his life to the study of weather, particularly hurricanes and tropical storms. His interest in meteorology began at a young age, sparked by his experience with Hurricane Carol in Boston in 1955 when he was just 12 years old. This event ignited a fascination with the power of nature and led him to pursue a career in meteorology. Throughout his high school years, Black nurtured his interest in weather as a hobby. When it came time for college, he sought out a meteorology school where he could learn more about tropical storms. His early career was influenced by mentors such as Oscar Tanenbaum, the meteorologist-in-charge of the Boston office, and Ken Spengler, with whom he corresponded. Black's career has been marked by significant contributions to the field of meteorology, including his work on documenting the development of storms. He has been a member of the American Meteorological Society since 1956. His work has taken him on numerous flights into storms, some of which have been quite dangerous. Despite the risks, Black's dedication to understanding and documenting these powerful natural phenomena has remained unwavering.

Scope and Content Note
This interview with Peter Black, conducted by Jinny Nathans, AMS archivist, on April 19, 2018, provides a detailed account of Black's life and career in meteorology. The interview begins with Black recounting his early fascination with weather, sparked by his experience with Hurricane Carol in 1955. He discusses his educational journey, his mentors, and his decision to join the American Meteorological Society in 1956. The interview also delves into Black's experiences flying into storms for research purposes. He shares a particularly harrowing flight into a storm that resulted in the death of several crew members. Black discusses his plans to write a report on this flight, which was never officially documented due to issues surrounding pilot error. Black also shares his recollections of Hurricane Hugo, describing it as a traumatic experience that left lasting impressions. He expresses interest in gathering with other scientists who were on the same flight to share their individual recollections of the event. The interview provides valuable insights into Black's career and contributions to the field of meteorology, as well as his personal experiences and perspectives on significant weather events.


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