Main Page | See live article | Alphabetical index

2 Pallas

2 Pallas
Orbital characteristics
Orbit type Main belt
Semimajor axis 2.774 AU
Eccentricity 0.2299
Orbital period 4.61 years
Inclination 34.84°
Physical characteristics
Diameter 570×525×482 km
Mass 3.18×1020 kg
Density 4.2 g/cm3
Rotation period 9h 55.5m
Spectral class U
Albedo 0.14
History
Discoverer H. Olbers, 1802

2 Pallas is the second largest asteroid (and second asteroid discovered). Pallas was discovered (and named) by Olbers, in 1802. Pallas was the Greek god of wisdom. The asteroid is noticeable for its nearly circular orbit.