On September 4, 2025, Dr. Becca Michaels, Senior Instructional Coordinator at the museum, shared an inspiring story with the Alamogordo Rotary Club. Her presentation highlighted Clyde Tombaugh, the Kansas farm boy who, with no college education, built his own telescopes and went on to discover Pluto in 1930.
Starting in 1926, Tombaugh handcrafted telescopes, grinding his own lenses and mirrors, and carefully sketching Mars and Jupiter. When he sent those drawings to the Lowell Observatory in Arizona, his skill and passion earned him a position there. Just a year later, his determination led to the monumental discovery of Pluto—an achievement that has significantly advanced our understanding of the solar system.
Dr. Michaels also spoke about NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, launched in 2006 to explore Pluto and the Kuiper Belt. In a remarkable tribute, Clyde Tombaugh’s ashes were carried aboard the mission, ensuring that the man who first spotted Pluto also made the journey to it.
You can often see Dr. Michaels presenting at the New Horizons Planetarium or giving educational talks across New Mexico.
Our outreach team brings space science and history to schools, clubs, and community events across New Mexico. 
If you’d like an engaging presentation for your group, contact us at msh.info@dca.nm.gov or 575-437-2840.