The orbit of this asteroid has close to a 2:1commensurability with the orbit ofJupiter.[13] On 17 January 2000, this minor planet was observedocculting a 9th magnitude star from seven locations. These timed chords across the silhouette allowed an estimate to be made of the object's dimensions,[14] yielding a cross-section of251 km × 160 km.[15]
Pales has been studied byradar.[16] It has a rotation period of20.705±0.002 h and a lightcurve with an amplitude of 0.18 mag. The lightcurve shows 4 maxima and 4 minima per cycle, suggesting an irregular shape.[7] The previously accepted period of 10.42 hours with 2 maxima and minima per cycle[17] was proven to be wrong by Pilcher in 2016, showing that correct rotation periods still have not been found for all low-numbered asteroids.[8]
^Mizon, R. (April 2000). "'Your friendly local street light'".Journal of the British Astronomical Association.110 (2):62–63.Bibcode:2000JBAA..110R..62M.
^Dunham, D. W.; et al. (September 2002). "Asteroidal occultation results multiply helped by Hipparcos".Memorie della Società' Astronomica Italiana.73 (3): 662.Bibcode:2002MmSAI..73..662D.
^Schober, H. J.; et al. (April 1979), "Photoelectric photometry and rotation periods of three large and dark asteroids – 49 Pales, 88 Thisbe and 92 Undina",Astronomy and Astrophysics Supplement Series, vol. 36, pp. 1–8,Bibcode:1979A&AS...36....1S.
