August 2013 Auction Ends Thursday, August 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/29/2013
Clyde Tombaugh autograph letter signed on New Mexico State, Department of Astronomy letterhead, where he taught. Dated 25 June 1986, letter is addressed to a Samuel Kloda and reads in full, ''As you may know, methane frost was detected spectroscopically in the near infrared in 1976 by astronomers Crikshank (?), Pilcher and Morrison of the University of Hawaii. It appears that some of this methane frost is sublimating to form a thin methane atmosphere as Pluto approaches its perihelion, See page 16 in a long, excellent article in Astronomy, July 1986 issue, written by Ken Kroswell, a doctoral candidate at Harvard University. Doubtless, you have seen my book, 'Out of the Darkness: The Planet Pluto' co-authored with Patrick Moore of England, published in 1980 and 1981 (2nd printing). Also, see my long article on the discovery of Pluto in the coming issue of Mercury.'' Signed ''Clyde W. Tombaugh''. Letter is written in blue ink on one page and measures 8.5'' x 11'' with two expected folds from mailing, else fine.
Pluto Discoverer Clyde Tombaugh Autograph Letter Signed -- ''...some of this methane frost is sublimating to form a thin methane atmosphere as Pluto approaches its periledion...''
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