Marina Green – Phillip Burton

 Posted by on October 30, 2011
Oct 302011
 
Marina Green
Phillip Burton Bronze
Phillip Burton (June 1, 1926 – April 10, 1983) was a United States Representative from California. He was instrumental in creating the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Burton was one of the first members of Congress to acknowledge the need for AIDS research and introduce an AIDS bill.

Not far from this sculpture is the “Sky Mirror”

The color of the sky varies depending on the density of the atmosphere. Sunlight from the horizon travels through about 38 times more air than light streaming down from the zenith. Sky Mirror allows visitors to compare patches of sky from different altitudes, revealing the surprising range of shades and hues in what often seems a uniformly blue dome.

Charles Sowers had long been looking for a way to create a device that would compare the variations in color at different areas of the sky. Neuroscientist Richard Brown suggested placing one mirror on top of another with an angling feature. Charles created a prototype using lego motors and then later created the finished exhibit that you see here.  This is part of Outdoor Exhibits for the Exploratorium.
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  6 Responses to “Marina Green – Phillip Burton”

  1. Genie says:
    October 30, 2011 at 5:45 pm

    What an interesting post… at y age I am always thrilled to learn something new each day instead of only forgetting things. I had no idea Burton torso instrumental in writing the legislation of AIDS. I love the idea of a Sky Mirror. That is really neat especially for those of us who are always interested in looking towards the heavens. Such a nice post. Happy Halloween. genie

  2. RedPat says:
    October 31, 2011 at 12:05 am

    Lovely post! I had never heard of Burton and the sky mirror is wonderful.

  3. Oakland Daily Photo says:
    October 31, 2011 at 4:57 am

    Burton was larger than life. His statue looks like it is too.

  4. EG Wow says:
    October 31, 2011 at 2:24 pm

    I had no idea the suns rays had to travel so much further at the horizon than from it’s zenith. I guess that must be what contributes to beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

    I have never heard of Burton but for sure he deserves to be remembered having realized the importance of AIDS research so early.

  5. Bruce Clark says:
    November 1, 2011 at 1:33 am

    Very interesting subject for a photo and person. Very nice.

  6. Oliag says:
    November 1, 2011 at 1:49 am

    Love the idea of that sky mirror! I think Jackson would find that fun too:)

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