A Historic Space Mission
Fast forward to 2006, nearly a decade after Tombaugh’s passing in 1997, when NASA launched the New Horizons probe. This spacecraft embarked on an ambitious nine-year journey to Pluto, carrying a unique tribute—a small container holding Tombaugh’s ashes. In July 2015, the probe completed its historic flyby, passing within 7,800 miles (12,500 kilometers) of Pluto’s surface, making it the closest approach ever by a spacecraft.
A Fitting Tribute to an Astronomical Pioneer
Tombaugh’s daughter, Annette, shared how he would have been amazed to see the planet he discovered in such vivid detail. The mission not only honored his contributions to astronomy but also provided stunning images and valuable data about Pluto’s atmosphere, moons, and surface features. Engraved on the canister carrying his ashes was a heartfelt tribute, recognizing him as a scientist, teacher, and friend.
Today, New Horizons continues its mission, venturing deeper into the Kuiper Belt, ensuring that Clyde Tombaugh’s legacy of discovery lives on—billions of miles from Earth
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