On Wednesday I participated in a ceremony at Pluto Park in Animas, New Mexico, to dedicate the telescope of Clyde Tombaugh, the man who discovered Pluto. Tombaugh, who passed away in 1997, had set up the 16-inch telescope (he could also use an 18-inch mirror in it) in his backyard. The scope now sits in on an astronomical and equestrian development run by Gene Turner. Turner acquired the scope from Patsy Tombaugh (standing with me in the picture at right), the famous astronomer’s widow.

About 50 people were on hand for the ceremony. Among them were famed astroimager Jack Newton and his wife Alice; Walter Haas, founder of the Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers; members of the New Mexico State University physics and astronomy faculty; amateur astronomers from Tucson and Las Cruces; Astronomy's newest columnist David Levy; and Patsy Tombaugh. See images of everyone below.

Levy, who wrote Tombaugh's biography, spoke for about 10 minutes. He recalled quotes from Tombaugh, spoke about the discovery of Pluto and some of the astronomer's other achievements, and finished with an appropriate quote from Starlight Nights by amateur astronomer Leslie C. Peltier.

Turner also spoke about the project, which involved acquiring, disassembling, moving, and re-erecting the telescope. He thanked many people during his remarks. I want to thank him for spearheading this project and dedicating the time and money needed. Just seeing this telescope restored and soon to be in operation makes me smile.

Oh, and there's not a cloud in the sky, so be sure to read my next blog about the observing I'm going to do tonight.

Patsy Tombaugh in front of her husband, Clyde Tombaugh's 16-inch telescope.

Walter Haas and Michael Bakich in front of Clyde Tombaugh's 16-inch telescope

Walter Haas in front of Clyde Tombaugh's 16-inch telescope

Astronomy columnist David Levy and famed astrophotographer Jack Newton

Walter Haas and Rancho Hidalgo developer Gene Turner

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