Clyde William Tombaugh (1906-1997) was an American astronomer and planetary scientist notable for his discovery of the dwarf planet Pluto. Born on February 4, 1906, in Streator, Illinois, Tombaugh developed a passion for astronomy from an early age. After building his own telescopes and conducting self-directed observations, his extraordinary skills led to a remarkable opportunity.
In 1929, Tombaugh was hired by the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, to assist in the search for a suspected ninth planet, which had been hypothesized by astronomer Percival Lowell. Using photographic plates to compare images of the night sky taken at different times, Tombaugh meticulously scanned the skies for any moving objects. On February 18, 1930, he made the historic discovery of a faint moving object beyond the orbit of Neptune, which would later be confirmed as Pluto.
Tombaugh's discovery of Pluto revolutionized our understanding of the solar system and led to new questions and discoveries about the outer regions. His determination, precision, and commitment to astronomical research cemented his place in scientific history. Tombaugh continued to contribute to various astronomical studies, including working at the White Sands Missile Range and assisting the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
His significant contributions in the field resulted in numerous honors and awards, including the induction to the International Space Hall of Fame. Clyde William Tombaugh's astronomical discoveries serve as an inspiration to aspiring astronomers and continue to spark interest in the exploration of our vast universe.
