Clyde Tombaugh — Questions and answers
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What important event happened on February 18, 1930, at the Lowell Observatory?
Choices
- Clyde Tombaugh built his first telescope.
- A new observatory was opened in Arizona.
- A faint, moving speck, later named Pluto, was discovered. ✓
- Scientists decided to stop looking for new planets.
Answer: A faint, moving speck, later named Pluto, was discovered.
From page 1
Who first theorized the existence of 'Planet X' because of the orbits of Uranus and Neptune?
Choices
- Clyde Tombaugh
- Richard Feynman
- Percival Lowell ✓
- V.M. Slipher
Answer: Percival Lowell
From page 2
How did Clyde Tombaugh become an astronomer at Lowell Observatory without much formal education?
Choices
- He won a special contest.
- His parents were famous astronomers.
- He taught himself, built telescopes, and sent his observations to the observatory. ✓
- He applied for a job in the newspaper.
Answer: He taught himself, built telescopes, and sent his observations to the observatory.
From page 5
What caused Pluto to be reclassified as a 'dwarf planet' in 2006?
Choices
- It disappeared from the solar system.
- It started getting much closer to the sun.
- Scientists discovered other large, icy bodies beyond Neptune, like Eris, and new criteria for planets were made. ✓
- People stopped being interested in it.
Answer: Scientists discovered other large, icy bodies beyond Neptune, like Eris, and new criteria for planets were made.
From page 8
What special tribute was made to Clyde Tombaugh after his death?
Choices
- A new observatory was named after him.
- A statue of him was built at Lowell Observatory.
- A small part of his ashes was carried into space aboard the New Horizons spacecraft. ✓
- His telescopes were put on display in a museum.
Answer: A small part of his ashes was carried into space aboard the New Horizons spacecraft.
From page 10