Clyde William Tombaugh was an American astronomer whose name is forever linked with the discovery of Pluto. Born in 1906 in Illinois, Tombaugh's journey to becoming a renowned astronomer was marked by determination and self-education. His discovery of Pluto in 1930 was a monumental achievement that stood as a testament to his skill and dedication. This article delves into Tombaugh's life, his groundbreaking discovery, and his lasting impact on the field
of astronomy.
Early Life and Passion for Astronomy
Clyde Tombaugh was born in Streator, Illinois, and grew up on farms in Kansas. His interest in astronomy was sparked at a young age, influenced by his uncle, an amateur astronomer. Despite financial hardships that prevented him from attending college immediately, Tombaugh was largely self-taught in astronomy and optical engineering. He built his own telescopes from spare parts and ground lenses by hand, showcasing his ingenuity and passion for the stars.
Tombaugh's early experiences laid the foundation for his future career. His visit to the Yerkes Observatory at the age of 12 further fueled his interest in the cosmos. Despite setbacks, such as a hailstorm that ruined his family's crops and delayed his education, Tombaugh's determination never wavered. He graduated from high school in 1925 and continued to pursue his passion for astronomy.
The Discovery of Pluto
Tombaugh's big break came when he sent drawings of Jupiter and Mars to the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. Impressed by his work, the observatory offered him a position. It was here, in 1930, that Tombaugh made his historic discovery of Pluto. Using a 13-inch astrograph, he conducted a systematic search for a trans-Neptunian planet, predicted by Percival Lowell.
On February 18, 1930, Tombaugh identified a moving object on photographic plates, which was later confirmed to be Pluto. This discovery was significant as it marked the first detection of what would eventually be recognized as the Kuiper belt. Pluto was initially classified as the ninth planet in the Solar System, a status it held for over seven decades.
Legacy and Contributions to Astronomy
Beyond discovering Pluto, Tombaugh made numerous contributions to astronomy. He identified hundreds of asteroids, star clusters, galaxies, and variable stars, significantly enriching the catalog of the night sky. As a professor at New Mexico State University, he led projects that advanced the understanding of planetary phenomena, such as Mercury's rotation and Jupiter's Great Red Spot.
Tombaugh's legacy extends beyond his discoveries. He was a proponent of continued study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and remained active in the field of astronomy until his retirement in 1973. His ashes were sent aboard the New Horizons spacecraft, which flew by Pluto in 2015, a fitting tribute to the man who first brought the distant world into human knowledge. Clyde Tombaugh's life and work continue to inspire astronomers and space enthusiasts around the world.
