How does Clyde Tombaugh's work fit into the scientific method?

Clyde Tombaugh's work exemplifies the scientific method through systematic observation, hypothesis formulation, and empirical testing. He meticulously observed the night sky, using a technique called "blink comparison" to identify the moving object that would become Pluto. His hypothesis that there might be a ninth planet based on gravitational perturbations led him to collect and analyze data, ultimately confirming his findings with rigorous documentation. This process of observation, hypothesis testing, and validation illustrates the core principles of the scientific method in action.