Pallas is a large asteroid located in the asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. Discovered in 1802 by the astronomer Hermann Goldschmidt, it is the second-largest asteroid in the belt, measuring about 512 kilometers (318 miles) in diameter. Pallas is classified as a C-type asteroid, which means it is composed mainly of carbonaceous materials. Pallas is unique because it is thought to be a remnant from the early solar system, providing insights into its formation. Its surface is dark and features a variety of craters, indicating a history of impacts. The asteroid is also of interest for potential future exploration due to its size and composition.