Period (P) : 4.62 yr.
Synodic Period : 443.18 d.
Perihelion (q) : 2.133 A.U.
Aphelion (Q)	: 3.412 A.U.
Mass : 2.2 ×1020 kg.
Sidereal Rotation : 07 hr. 18.8 m.
Mean Sidereal Rotation : 0.32555 d.
Herr Heinrich Olbers from Bremen discovered on 28th March 1802 the second of the minor planets, Pallas, whose name is taken from the Roman name for the direct equivalent Greek goddess, Athene. She was also identified as the goddess who portrays the admirable virtues of both prudence and wisdom, being often associated with the applied sciences. Some identify her with the Roman goddess Minerva, who in later times was portrayed as the goddess of war - eventually to be venerated even higher than the male god of war, Mars.
Pallas (2) is about half the size of Ceres or 498.1 km across, and just exceeding that of Vesta (4). Since discovery, Pallas has orbited the Sun some sixty-eight (68) times (2006), whose orbit is now well established. Like Ceres, Pallas has the similar mean solar distance of 2.773 AU, but also has significant orbit eccentricity ‘e’ at 0.2300. This is combined with high ecliptic inclination of 34.8°, gives the possible range the declinations anywhere between of +58.1° and -58.1°. This the only planetary body that can be so far from the ecliptic and still be seen in binoculars. A combination of these values means that Pallas can have favourable and unfavourable oppositions for both northern and southern observers, and quite often, very far from the ecliptic.
At best, the magnitudes can reach about 6.7 or drop below 10.6, but the average is more like 8.3. The best opposition for Pallas in the next few decades will be in late February 2014 when it reaches 7.0 magnitude in the constellation of Hydra - being well placed for southern observers. Closest approach then will be 1.23 A.U. or about 184 million kilometers. Poor oppositions occur once every 4.5 years or so, being in the years 2006, 2011, 2015 and 2020. Best placement for southern observers will occur in mid-December 2008, when 8th magnitude Pallas is at -33° declination.
The user applying this data for any purpose forgoes any liability against the author. None of the information should be used for either legal or medical purposes. Although the data is accurate as possible some errors might be present. The onus of its use is place solely with the user.
For any problems with this Website or Document please email me.