(9) Metis

(9) Metis is an asteroid that is part of the asteroid belt and was discovered on April 25, 1848 by Andrew Graham from the Markree Observatory, Ireland. It is named for Metis, a goddess from Greek mythology.

Orbital characteristics

Metis orbits at an average distance of 2,386 AU from the Sun, being able to move away up to 2,678 AU and approach up to 2,095 AU. The orbital inclination of it is 5.574° and the eccentricity 0.1223. It takes 1,347 days to complete one orbit around the Sun.

Observation

Data from its light curve led to the assumption that it might have a satellite. However, subsequent observations did not confirm this. It was observed with the Hubble Space Telescope in 1993. It was possible to determine the irregular shape of the asteroid, but no satellite detected.