Clyde Tombaugh: Astronomer and Discoverer of Pluto

#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Clyde William Tombaugh was a renowned American astronomer who is best known for his discovery of the dwarf planet Pluto in 1930.

#### Birth and Death Dates
Tombaugh was born on February 4, 1906, in Streator, Illinois, and passed away on January 17, 1997, at the age of 90, in Tucson, Arizona.

#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Tombaugh held American nationality and worked as an astronomer for most of his career. He was particularly skilled in astrometry and photometry, which are essential techniques for studying celestial objects.

#### Early Life and Background
Growing up on a farm near Streator, Illinois, Tombaugh developed an interest in astronomy at an early age. His love for the subject was sparked by a local observatory where he would often visit to observe the night sky. After completing his high school education, Tombaugh attended the University of Kansas, where he studied mathematics and physics.

#### Major Accomplishments
Tombaugh's most significant achievement is undoubtedly the discovery of Pluto on February 18, 1930. He made this groundbreaking discovery while working at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. Using a technique called "blink comparator," Tombaugh identified Pluto as a faint object that was moving against the background stars.

However, this discovery also came with its fair share of controversy and debate. Some astronomers questioned whether Pluto should be classified as a planet or considered an asteroid due to its small size and unusual orbit. This classification issue has been ongoing for many years and continues to be debated among experts.

#### Notable Works or Actions
Tombaugh's work on Pluto was not limited to its discovery alone. He also made significant contributions to the field of astronomy by accurately measuring the positions and motions of various celestial objects, including asteroids, comets, and variable stars.

One notable project Tombaugh worked on during his time at Lowell Observatory was the systematic survey of the sky for new planets using the 13-inch (33 cm) telescope. This pioneering effort laid the groundwork for modern astrometry and planetary hunting methods.

#### Impact and Legacy
Clyde Tombaugh's discovery of Pluto marked a significant milestone in astronomy, opening up new avenues for research and exploration. His findings also shed light on the vastness and complexity of our solar system, challenging existing ideas about planet formation and evolution.

Tombaugh's contributions to astronomy have left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire future generations of scientists and researchers. Today, his name is synonymous with Pluto, a dwarf planet that has become an iconic symbol in popular culture.

#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Clyde Tombaugh's remarkable achievements and discoveries have made him widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:

His groundbreaking discovery of Pluto remains one of the most significant astronomical findings of the 20th century.
Tombaugh's innovative use of the blink comparator technique paved the way for more advanced methods in astrometry and photometry.
* His dedication to astronomy, as well as his perseverance in the face of controversy, have made him an inspiration to many scientists and researchers.

In conclusion, Clyde Tombaugh was a pioneering astronomer whose discovery of Pluto marked a significant turning point in our understanding of the solar system. His innovative approach to astrometry and photometry has left a lasting impact on the field of astronomy, making him one of the most notable figures in modern astronomical history.