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Clyde Tombaugh ALS

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Clyde Tombaugh ALS
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Excellent Clyde Tombaugh autograph letter signed, dated 10 May 1980 on ''Mexico State University Department of Astronomy'' letterhead. Reads in full: ''Dear Mr. Robinette, There were many things that spurred me on with the tedious, formidable task. I was assigned to work with the new 13-inch astrograph, which is one of the best and most powerful in the world. Not having a university education and degree at the time, it was my only chance to be engaged in astronomical research. I had a persevering temperament and was not afraid to work hard. I am a 'perfectionist' when it comes to methods and technique, and therefore I could find a planet if one could be found or existed. Instantly when I saw the Pluto images, I recognized that the object had to be beyond Neptune to have that small angular shift. There were other things I did of comparable importance: supervisor of the photographic tracking section at White Sands Missile Range 9 years, search for possible small natural Earth satellites, and establishing one of the best planetary patrol observatories in the world at NMSO, also Mars studies.'' Signed ''Clyde W. Tombaugh'' with a note in the left margin reading ''I was born on a farm near Streator''. Letter, measuring 8.5'' x 11'' on one page, has two folds from mailing, else fine condition. Includes original postmarked envelope.