Which asteroid, numbered 55, was discovered in 1858 and named Pandora?

The asteroid numbered 55 and named Pandora is 55 Pandora, discovered in 1858.

55 Pandora is a large main-belt asteroid orbiting the Sun between Mars and Jupiter. English astronomer George Mary Searle discovered it on September 10, 1858, from the Albany Observatory in New York. Its name refers to Pandora of Greek mythology.

The asteroid is classified as an S-type asteroid, indicating a stony composition. It has also been studied through stellar occultations, when the asteroid passes in front of a distant star and briefly blocks the star’s light. Such observations help refine its size and shape.

55 Pandora is unrelated to Saturn’s moon Pandora, although both bodies share a mythological name. The number 55 is its permanent minor-planet number, assigned after its orbit was sufficiently established.