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Lot #6145
Clyde W. Tombaugh Autograph Letter Signed

The discoverer of Pluto—"It would have been named Minerva"

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Estimate: $200+
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Description

The discoverer of Pluto—"It would have been named Minerva"

ALS, one page, 8.5 x 11, May 1, 1979. Letter to Mr. Schuett, in full: "I receive so many hundreds of letters, a great many requesting autographed photos. In the aggregate this becomes quite expensive. The story of naming the 9th planet is an involved one. Briefly, it is customary to name such bodies from mythological deities. So many good names were given to the asteroids, and there were few suitable ones left. It would have been named Minerva, the goddess of Wisdom, but that name had already been given to an asteroid. Pluto, the god of the Underworld seemed to be the best compromise—by stretching the connotation to god of Darkness where the lighting of it by the sun is so feeble. Pluto is very probably solid, as suggested by its smallness, its low temperature, and the nature of its light curve. It would take many pages to explain all of this. There are many god telescopes that give the best possible view of Pluto. No dish is visible in any of them." In very good to fine condition, with toning to the edges, and some paper loss to the top. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Science and Technology
  • Dates: #554 - Ended December 13, 2018




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