Discovery of Pluto by Clyde Tombaugh

On February 18, 1930, American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh made a groundbreaking discovery at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona: the dwarf planet Pluto. This event marked a significant milestone in the field of astronomy and expanded our understanding of the solar system.

Background

The search for a ninth planet, often referred to as “Planet X,” began in the early 20th century. Percival Lowell, the founder of the Lowell Observatory, was a key figure in this quest. He hypothesized the existence of a distant planet beyond Neptune, based on irregularities in the orbits of Uranus and Neptune. Although Lowell’s efforts did not yield immediate results, his work laid the foundation for future discoveries.

The Discovery

Clyde Tombaugh, a young astronomer from Kansas, joined the Lowell Observatory in 1929. He was tasked with continuing the search for Planet X using a technique called “blink comparison.” This method involved taking photographs of the same section of the night sky at different times and comparing them to detect any moving objects.

On February 18, 1930, Tombaugh identified a moving object on photographic plates taken in January of that year. This object was later confirmed to be the elusive ninth planet, which was subsequently named Pluto.

Naming Pluto

The name “Pluto” was suggested by Venetia Burney, an 11-year-old schoolgirl from Oxford, England. She proposed the name after the Roman god of the underworld, and it was fittingly chosen because it began with the initials “PL,” honoring Percival Lowell.

Aftermath and Significance

Pluto’s discovery was celebrated as a major achievement in astronomy. It remained classified as the ninth planet of the solar system until 2006, when the International Astronomical Union redefined the criteria for planethood, leading to Pluto’s reclassification as a “dwarf planet.”

The discovery of Pluto expanded our understanding of the solar system and inspired further exploration of the Kuiper Belt, a region of the solar system beyond Neptune that is populated with many small icy bodies.

Conclusion

Clyde Tombaugh’s discovery of Pluto on February 18, 1930, remains a testament to human curiosity and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. It highlights the importance of perseverance in scientific endeavors and continues to inspire astronomers and space enthusiasts around the world.