Beginning in the 1840s, which American organization first drew real-time surface analyses of the weather?

A surface weather analysis is a special type of weather map that provides a view of weather elements for a geographical area at a specified time based on information from ground-based weather stations. The first weather maps in the 19th century were drawn well after the fact to help devise a theory on storm systems. After the invention of the telegraph, simultaneous surface weather observations became possible for the first time.

The Smithsonian Institution was the first organization to draw real-time surface analyses beginning in the 1840s. After starting in the United States, this system quickly spread worldwide during the 1870s.

Established on August 10, 1846, the Smithsonian Institution is a group of museums and educational and research centers. It is the largest complex in the world created by the United States government “for the increase and diffusion of knowledge”. The institution is named after its founding donor, British scientist James Smithsonian (1765-1829).

Called “the nation’s attic”, there are 19 museums, 21 libraries, 9 research centers, a zoo that includes historical and architectural landmarks. The facilities are mostly located in the nation’s capital area of Washington, District of Columbia. Additional facilities are located in the states of Maryland, Virginia and New York.

As of March 2020, the Smithsonian Institution employs 6,375 personnel.