Clyde W - Archives & Special Collections - New Mexico State ...

Research Center as associate research professor. In addition to the planetary
patrol work, Tombaugh carried out projects studying the geology of Mars and
conducted a site evaluation study for a proposed Air Force observatory near
Cloudcroft, New Mexico
1960 Received honorary doctorate from Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff,
Arizona
1961-70 Taught astronomy half-time in the Department of Earth Sciences (renamed
Department of Earth Sciences and Astronomy in 1965), continued research
work in NMSU Research Center half-time
1968 Work to establish Astronomy graduate program in at NMSU moves forward
with the submission of a "Request for Preliminary Accreditation for a Degree
of Doctor of Philosophy in Astronomy"
1970, July 1 Ph.D. granting Department of Astronomy established at New Mexico State
University
1972 Dedication of the Clyde W. Tombaugh Observatory on the New Mexico State
University campus
1973 Retired from New Mexico State University as Emeritus Professor of
Astronomy
1980 Out of the Darkness, The Planet Pluto, an autobiographical account of the
discovery published with co-author Patrick Moore.
Numerous events held to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the
discovery of Pluto, including the meeting "Pluto - The Ninth Planet's Golden
Year" sponsored by the NMSU Department of Astronomy.
1986 Clyde Tombaugh Scholars Fund in support of postdoctoral fellowship at New
Mexico State University established
1987-88 Conducted national speaking tour to raise funds for Tombaugh Scholars Fund
1997, Jan. 17 Clyde W. Tombaugh died at his home near Las Cruces, New Mexico
NMSU Library/Archives & Special Collections C. W. Tombaugh Papers / Ms0407
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