18 Melpomene

Also known as (18) Melpomene, Melpomene

main-belt asteroid

AI overview

18 Melpomene is an asteroid located in the main belt between Mars and Jupiter. It is one of the larger asteroids and was among the earlier asteroids to be discovered, making it scientifically significant for understanding the composition and history of our solar system.

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Picture of the Day · NASA

Jupiter and Venus from Earth

2026-06-07

It was visible around the world. The sunset conjunction of Jupiter (left) and Venus (right) in 2012 was visible almost no matter where you lived on Earth. Anyone on our planet with a clear western horizon at sunset could see them. That year, a creative photographer traveled away from the town lights of Szubin, Poland to photograph a near closest approach of the two planets. The bright planets were then separated by only three degrees and his daughter struck a humorous pose. A faint red sunset still glowed in the background. Jupiter and Venus are together again this week after sunset, passing within a degree of each other about two days from today.

Wikidata facts

Image: A601.M993.shape.png

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via Wikidata · CC0

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Article

18 Melpomene is a large, bright asteroid in the main asteroid belt. It was discovered by John Russell Hind on 24 June 1852, and named after Melpomenē, the Muse of tragedy in Greek mythology.

History