Clyde Tombaugh

Clyde William Tombaugh (February 4, 1906 – January 17, 1997) was an American astronomer who discovered the planet Pluto in 1930.

Related Topics:
February 4 - 1906 - January 17 - 1997 - American - Astronomer - Pluto - 1930

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Tombaugh was born in Streator, Illinois. After his family moved to Burdett, Kansas, Tombaugh built his first telescope and sent drawings of his observations of Jupiter and Mars to the Lowell Observatory. These resulted in a job offer. Tombaugh was employed at the Lowell Observatory from 1929 to 1945. Following his discovery of Pluto, Tombaugh earned astronomy degrees from the University of Kansas and Northern Arizona University. He taught astronomy at New Mexico State University from 1955 until his retirement.

Related Topics:
Streator, Illinois - Burdett, Kansas - Telescope - Jupiter - Mars - 1929 - 1945 - University of Kansas - Northern Arizona University - New Mexico State University - 1955

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The asteroid 1604 Tombaugh 1, discovered in 1931, is named after him. He himself discovered 14 asteroids, beginning with 2839 Annette in 1929, mostly as a by-product of his search for Pluto and his further searches for other planets. The Royal Astronomical Society awarded him the Jackson-Gwilt Medal in 1931.

Related Topics:
Asteroid - 1604 Tombaugh - 1931 - 2839 Annette - 1929 - Royal Astronomical Society - Jackson-Gwilt Medal

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