Clyde Tombaugh Found "Planet X" In 1930

In addition to the advanced electronics, sensors, and plutonium power source needed for a journey that could conceivably stretch into near-infinity, the New Horizons probe now wending its way to Pluto carries with it a cargo of a far more personal nature: the ashes of Clyde Tombaugh, the astronomer who discovered the tiny planet with his homemade telescope.

Tombaugh -- the only American to discover a planet within the Earth's solar system -- came close to seeing the first mission launched to the planet he discovered become a reality. He died in 1997, however -- while scientists were still working to win approval and funding for the Pluto mission.

"Some of Clyde's ashes are on their way to Pluto today," said Alan Stern, the mission's team leader, after Thursday's perfect launch. Tombaugh's widow, Patricia, was there to see the Atlas V leave the pad, as were several other relatives.

Tombaugh constructed his first telescope -- which he used to map Mars and Jupiter in 1928 -- from discarded car parts and farm machinery. He used an advanced model to find "Planet X" -- Pluto -- in 1930.

He later went on to become the founder of New Mexico State University's Astronomy Department, where he retired as professor emeritus in 1973. He continued to tour as a lecturer and promoter until his failing health prevented it.

According to NASA's website, Tombaugh continued to be an active stargazer. When he was asked by the Smithsonian if they could have the telescope he used to make his 1928 drawings, he told them he "was still using it."

Tombaugh passed away on January 17, 1997, just shy of his 91st birthday.

Consider this for a moment: the ninth anniversary of Tombaugh's death was this past Tuesday... which was originally the scheduled launch date for New Horizons, as it was the first date of a narrow launch window to Pluto... the ninth planet.

Don't tell us the universe doesn't have it all figured out.

FMI: www.klx.com/clyde/