February 18, 1930: How a farm boy found Pluto (more) Today in History—February 18: From Kansas to the Kuiper Belt Written by Michele Metych Michele Metych is the lead editor for Today in History at Encyclopædia Britannica. Michele Metych Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Feb. 13, 2026 •History February 18, 1930: How a farm boy found PlutoLowell Observatory Photograph; Photo Illustration Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. The butterfly effect, Midwest edition: A hailstorm in Kansas helped lead to the discovery of the dwarf planet Pluto. Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica.Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Want to learn more about what happened on February 18, or any other day of the year? Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox every morning. In 1928...

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