Today, at Rancho Hidalgo, I had a rare opportunity. I helped reassemble Clyde Tombaugh's 16-inch reflecting telescope. Yes, it's that Clyde Tombaugh — the person who discovered ex-planet Pluto.
Developer Gene Turner purchased the telescope from Tombaugh's widow, Patsy, several years ago. He disassembled it, moved it from Las Cruces to Animas, New Mexico, and I arrived just in time to help put the finishing touches on it. Specifically, I helped reattach the ball-governed falling-weight drive that counteracted the effect of Earth's rotation. Like a telescope's electric motor today, it kept whatever was in the field of view from drifting out.
Later today (Wednesday), Patsy Tombaugh and a host of other astronomical dignitaries will attend the dedication ceremony for the telescope. It sits in the center of what Turner calls "Pluto Park." The scope is the first of the park's features.
Be sure to catch my next blog. I'll describe the dedication ceremony and send more pics.
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Clyde Tombaugh's 16-inch reflecting telescope at Rancho Hidalgo
Clyde Tombaugh's 16-inch reflecting telescope gear drive
Clyde Tombaugh's 16-inch reflecting telescope at sunset
