16 Psyche

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

... | Previous asteroid | 16 Psyche | Next asteroid | ...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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