Clifford J. MacGregor facts for kids

Clifford J. MacGregor (born February 23, 1904 – died October 1985) was an American expert in weather, a brave explorer of the Arctic, and a pilot for the Navy. He spent his life studying weather patterns, especially in the cold Arctic regions, and even led his own expedition.

About Clifford J. MacGregor

Clifford J. MacGregor was born in 1904 and lived until 1985. He became well-known for his work in meteorology, which is the study of weather. He also explored the very cold Arctic areas and was a pilot in the United States Navy.

Early Life and Training

MacGregor went to college in Michigan. After his studies, he joined the U.S. Navy. This was before 1926. While in the Navy, he received special training. He learned how to fly large airships called Zeppelins. This training happened at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Working with Weather

After leaving the Navy, MacGregor continued his service in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He was a Commander, which is a high rank. During World War II, he returned to active duty. He commanded a squadron of PBY planes in Greenland. PBYs were large flying boats used for patrols and rescue missions.

After his time in the military, MacGregor worked for the weather bureau. This is an organization that studies and predicts weather.

Arctic Exploration and Weather Science

In 1930, MacGregor went to Alaska. His job was to help set up the very first network of weather stations in the Arctic. This network helped the Alaskan Airways Weather Service.

Later, he became the Commander of the U.S. Arctic weather expedition. This expedition was part of the Second International Polar Year (1932–1933). He was based at the Point Barrow Meteorological Station in Alaska. A meteorological station is a place where scientists collect weather data.

While in Alaska, MacGregor developed an important idea. He believed that much of the weather in the Northern Hemisphere actually started in the Arctic.

Leading His Own Expedition

MacGregor also had other adventures. In 1935, he was the captain of a boat in a yacht race from California to Hawaii.

Before leading his own big adventure, MacGregor worked at the Newark Airport Weather office. He then took a break from that job. From July 1, 1937, to October 4, 1938, he led his own Arctic Expedition. This journey took him to Etah, Greenland.

It was MacGregor and his team who first suggested something very important. They said there was a great need for many weather stations all across the Arctic. These stations would help us understand global weather much better.

Later Life

In 1939, MacGregor was working at the Weather Bureau in Horseheads, New York. He eventually retired in Milanville, Pennsylvania.