Clyde Tombaugh
American Astronomer
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About Clyde Tombaugh
Clyde William Tombaugh, an American astronomer, was the first to discover Pluto as a planet in 1930, following a systematic search for a ninth planet prompted by other astronomers' predictions. Tombaugh’s discovery, which is in an area astronomers call the Kuiper belt, was in 2006 downgraded to a dwarf planet.
Family Life and Education
He developed an interest in stargazing as a child, which was encouraged by both his father and uncle. His uncle owned the first telescope he ever looked through.
Clyde Tombaugh received his bachelor's and master's degrees in astronomy from the University of Kansas, where he worked during the summers at the observatory.
Astronomy Career and Discovery
The future astronomer even built his own telescope after finishing high school, based on specifications published in a 1925 issue of Popular Astronomy. He observed Jupiter and Mars with this instrument and sent sketches of these planets to Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, hoping for feedback on his work. Instead, he got a job offer. His task was to find the ninth planet, which had been proposed by famed American astronomer and mathematician Percival Lowell.
He worked for more than a decade at the Lowell Observatory, making drawings of the planets Mars and Jupiter.
Tombaugh’s discovery of Pluto cemented his place in the pantheon of notable astronomers.
In addition to Pluto, the Illinois-born astronomer discovered a number of asteroids. He also called on his colleagues to delve deeper into UFO (unidentified flying objects).
Trivia
After his death in 1997, he was cremated and a portion of his ashes were scattered aboard the New Horizons spacecraft. The astronomer was survived by two children and his wife.
During World War II, he served as an instructor at Northern Arizona University.
From 1955 until he retired in 1973, Tombaugh was an astronomy tutor at New Mexico State University.
Other Notable Accomplishments
Tombaugh was inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame.
He was honored by the American Academy of Achievements with a Golden Plate Award. Did you know?
In recognition of his immense contribution to astronomy, the asteroid 1604 Tombaugh was named after him.
Tombaugh Regio, a bright surface feature on Pluto, was named after Clyde W. Tombaugh.
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F.A.Q. about Clyde Tombaugh
When is his birthday?
Clyde Tombaugh's birthday is on February 4, 1906.
In how many days is his birthday?
Clyde's birthday is in 291 days
How old was Clyde when he died?
He was 90 years old.
When did he die?
He died in January 17, 1997.
How old would he be today?
Clyde Tombaugh would be 118 years old if he was alive today.
Where was Clyde from?
He was born in LaSalle County, Illinois, U.S..