A semi-microscopic model for the low-energy photodisintegration of the 9 Be nucleus is constructed, and the experimental data are analyzed with its help. The older radioactive isotope data are supported by this analysis. The theoretical photodisintegration cross section is derived. The astrophysical rates for the reaction α + α + n → 9 Be+γ and the reverse photodisintegration of 9 Be are calculated. The new reaction rate for α + α + n → 9 Be+γ is compared with previous estimations.