1933 Ankara Weather Control Project

A catastrophe by any other name

In 1933 to celebrate the 10th year of the young Turkish Republic was eager to prove its technological prowess to the entire world launched an audacious project to control the weather over the city. A giant orb called “Milli Güneş” National Sun was promptly suspended in the sky and a series of buildings with diverse functions like collecting the heat from the sun or condensing humidity to make rain were constructed in a matter of five years.

On May 1, 1933, the Ankara Orb was officially activated. The initial results were promising, as the device successfully generated light rainfall over the city, alleviating a period of drought. This early success was celebrated with great fanfare, and the experiment was hailed as a triumph of Turkish ingenuity and scientific prowess.

However, as the summer progressed, the limitations and unintended consequences of the technology became apparent. The Orb's operations resulted in erratic weather patterns, including unseasonable storms and unexpected temperature drops. The atmospheric disturbances also had adverse effects on the local ecosystem, disrupting agricultural cycles and wildlife behavior.

The public reaction to the Ankara Weather Control Experiment was mixed. While some lauded the boldness of the initiative, others criticized it as reckless and hubristic. The experiment was eventually halted in late 1933 after a particularly severe storm caused significant damage to the city's infrastructure.

Despite its failure, the 1933 Ankara Weather Control Experiment remains a fascinating chapter in the history of scientific experimentation. It exemplifies the optimism and ambition of early 20th-century technological endeavors, as well as the challenges and risks associated with attempting to control natural forces. The Ankara Orb, with its iconic design, has since become a symbol of both the potential and peril of human innovation.

Today, the remains of the Ankara Orb can still be seen on display at the Ankara Museum of Science and Technology, serving as a poignant reminder of the city's striving spirit and the enduring quest to master the elements.