February 18 in American History

February 18, 1930 — Pluto is discovered

Working at the Lowell Observatory in Arizona, 24-year-old American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh spotted a faint moving dot that turned out to be Pluto — the only planet (later reclassified) discovered by an American. He'd found it by painstakingly comparing photographic plates, dot by dot. A discovery of patience as much as genius.

Common Questions

What happened on February 18 in American history?

In 1930: Pluto is discovered. Working at the Lowell Observatory in Arizona, 24-year-old American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh spotted a faint moving dot that turned out to be Pluto — the only planet (later reclassified) discovered by an American.

Why is February 18 significant?

Working at the Lowell Observatory in Arizona, 24-year-old American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh spotted a faint moving dot that turned out to be Pluto — the only planet (later reclassified) discovered by an American. He'd found it by painstakingly comparing photographic plates, dot by dot. A discovery of patience as much as genius.

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