16 Psyche


 
 

16 Psyche (sye'-kee) is the 13th-largest Main belt asteroid, measuring 250 kilometers in diameter.

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It was discovered by Annibale de Gasparis on March 17, 1852 from Naples and named after the Greek nymph Psyche.

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Spectral and other analyses indicate a fairly pure iron-nickel composition. Psyche and other class M asteroids originate from the metallic core of a large differentiated planetesimal similar to asteroid 4 Vesta.

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Psyche is massive enough that its perturbations on other asteroids can be measured, which enables accurate mass and density values. Its density turns out to be extremely low, indicating extreme porousity or (less likely) a non-metallic composition. In other words, the asteroid is probably a gigantic rubble pile. (1)

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Only one stellar occultation event by Psyche has so far been observed (from Mexico on March 22, 2002). Lightcurve variations indicate a non-spherical body.

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Main belt: REDIRECT Asteroid belt...

Asteroid: An asteroid is a small, solid object in our Solar System, orbiting the Sun. An asteroid is an example of a minor planet (or planetoid), which are much smaller than planets. Most asteroids are believed to be remnants of the protoplanetary disc which were not incorporated into planets during the syste...

Kilometers: REDIRECT Kilometre...


16 Psyche related Images and Photos (experimental)

Psyche
Psyche
Psyche
Psyche
Psych E-Gift Card
Psych E-Gift Card
Psyche 59  (1964)
Psyche 59 (1964)
Psyche 59  1964
Psyche 59 1964
Cupid Wakes Psyche
Cupid Wakes Psyche
Zephyrus Carries Psyche's Sisters
Zephyrus Carries Psyche's Sisters
Cupid and Psyche
Cupid and Psyche
Cupid and Psyche
Cupid and Psyche
Cupid and Psyche  1796
Cupid and Psyche 1796
Cupid and Psyche  1817
Cupid and Psyche 1817
Mercury and Psyche  1593
Mercury and Psyche 1593

~ Table of Content ~

Introduction
 
FR: (16) Psyché


 

~ Related Subjects ~

Previous asteroid (1) - 2002 (1) - Solar System (1) - Next asteroid (1) - March 22 (1) - Stellar (1) - Density (1) - Mexico (1) - Occultation (1) - Elliptical (1) - Asteroid belt (1) - Jupiter (1) - Mars (1) - Moon (1) - Minor planet (1) -
 

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