# Clyde Tombaugh

> American astronomer (1906–1997)

**Wikidata**: [Q190232](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q190232)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clyde_Tombaugh)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/clyde-tombaugh

## Summary
Clyde William Tombaugh (1906–1997) was an American astronomer best known for discovering the dwarf planet Pluto in 1930, a breakthrough that expanded the known boundaries of the solar system. He served as a university teacher at several institutions, including New Mexico State University, and was a dedicated scientist who studied celestial bodies throughout his career.

## Biography
- **Born**: February 4, 1906
- **Nationality**: United States (American)
- **Education**: Attended Kansas State University and the University of Kansas; also affiliated with Northern Arizona University and New Mexico State University.
- **Known for**: Discovering Pluto and the celestial region known as Tombaugh Regio.
- **Employer(s)**: University of Kansas, Northern Arizona University, Kansas State University, New Mexico State University, and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
- **Field(s)**: Astronomy, specifically the study of celestial objects and phenomena.

## Contributions
- **Discovery of Pluto**: In 1930, Tombaugh identified the ninth planet (now classified as a dwarf planet) through photographic plate comparison, fundamentally altering the human understanding of the solar system's extent.
- **Tombaugh Regio**: His discovery led to the naming of a prominent heart-shaped region on Pluto's surface as "Tombaugh Regio" in his honor.
- **Asteroid 1604 Tombaugh**: An asteroid was named 1604 Tombaugh to recognize his contributions to planetary science.
- **Academic Instruction**: He served as a university teacher, instructing students in astronomy at multiple public research universities across the United States, including New Mexico State University where he spent a significant portion of his career.
- **Jackson-Gwilt Medal**: He received this prestigious award from the United Kingdom, recognizing his significant contributions to the field of astronomy.

## FAQs
**What is Clyde Tombaugh most famous for?**
Clyde Tombaugh is most famous for discovering Pluto in 1930, which was considered the ninth planet in our solar system for decades. This discovery was the result of his meticulous work comparing photographic plates to detect moving objects against the background of stars.

**Which universities did Clyde Tombaugh work for?**
Throughout his career, Tombaugh was affiliated with several major American institutions, including the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Northern Arizona University, and New Mexico State University. He also maintained connections with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

**Did Clyde Tombaugh receive any awards for his work?**
Yes, Tombaugh was honored with the Jackson-Gwilt Medal, an award established in 1897 and presented by an organization in the United Kingdom. This recognition highlighted his significant impact on the scientific community and the field of astronomy.

**What celestial features are named after Clyde Tombaugh?**
Two major celestial features bear his name: the asteroid 1604 Tombaugh and Tombaugh Regio, a distinctive region on the surface of Pluto. These names serve as a permanent tribute to his discovery of the dwarf planet.

## Why They Matter
Clyde Tombaugh's work fundamentally changed humanity's perception of the solar system by proving that the known planetary boundaries extended far beyond Neptune. His discovery of Pluto initiated decades of scientific inquiry into the Kuiper Belt and the outer solar system, influencing generations of astronomers and space exploration missions. Without his meticulous observational skills, the existence of Pluto and the subsequent understanding of the solar system's structure would have been delayed significantly. His legacy endures not only in the names of celestial bodies but also in the continued study of trans-Neptunian objects.

## Notable For
- **Discovery of Pluto**: The first and only person to discover a planet (at the time) in the 20th century.
- **Tombaugh Regio**: The naming of a major geological feature on Pluto after him.
- **Asteroid 1604 Tombaugh**: The naming of a minor planet in his honor.
- **Jackson-Gwilt Medal**: Recipient of this distinguished award from the United Kingdom.
- **Academic Career**: Served as a professor and researcher at four major US universities.
- **American Astronomer**: A key figure in 20th-century American astronomy.
- **Longevity**: Lived from 1906 to 1997, witnessing the evolution of astronomy from visual observation to space exploration.

## Body

### Early Life and Nationality
Clyde William Tombaugh was born on February 4, 1906, in the United States. He was an American citizen who dedicated his life to the scientific study of the cosmos. His nationality and origin in the US placed him within the context of the American astronomical community during a period of rapid technological advancement in observational astronomy.

### Education and Academic Affiliations
Tombaugh's academic journey involved connections with several prominent institutions. He was educated at Kansas State University and the University of Kansas, where he laid the groundwork for his scientific career. His professional affiliations extended to Northern Arizona University, New Mexico State University, and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). These institutions served as his primary employers, where he functioned as a university teacher and researcher. His work at New Mexico State University was particularly notable, providing a base for his later research and teaching activities.

### Career and Field of Work
As an astronomer, Tombaugh's field of work focused on the study of celestial bodies, a branch of natural science dedicated to understanding objects and phenomena outside Earth's atmosphere. He utilized the tools and methodologies of astronomy, including photographic plate analysis, to identify new objects in the solar system. His role as a scientist involved rigorous observation and the application of theoretical models to interpret cosmic data. He was a human member of the scientific community, contributing to the exact science of astronomy.

### Major Discoveries and Legacy
The most significant contribution of Clyde Tombaugh was the discovery of Pluto. This achievement led to the naming of the asteroid 1604 Tombaugh and the region Tombaugh Regio on Pluto itself. These names serve as enduring markers of his discovery. His work expanded the known solar system and sparked further research into the outer reaches of our planetary neighborhood. The discovery of Pluto remains a landmark event in the history of astronomy, cementing his place in scientific history.

### Recognition and Awards
Tombaugh's contributions were recognized internationally, most notably with the Jackson-Gwilt Medal. This award, originating in the United Kingdom, honored his significant achievements in the field. His recognition highlights the global impact of his work and the respect he garnered from the international astronomical community.

### Institutional Connections
Tombaugh's career was characterized by strong ties to American higher education. He was affiliated with the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, Northern Arizona University, New Mexico State University, and UCLA. These institutions provided the infrastructure and academic environment necessary for his research and teaching. His presence at these universities helped foster the next generation of astronomers and contributed to the academic reputation of these schools in the field of space science.

### Personal Details and Identifiers
Clyde Tombaugh passed away on January 17, 1997. Throughout his life, he was identified by various academic and biographical identifiers, including his full name, Clyde William Tombaugh, and his aliases such as Clyde W. Tombaugh. His life and work are documented in numerous databases and encyclopedic entries, reflecting his status as a notable figure in the history of science. His citizenship in the United States and his profession as an astronomer defined his public identity.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Source](https://cdm16338.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/Ms0407)
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. SNAC
5. Find a Grave
6. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
7. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
8. GeneaStar
9. Croatian Encyclopedia
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. Quora