What is a message in space. Minor planets - Juno, Ceres, Vesta, Pallas. Sizes of Ceres, Pallas, Juno and Vesta
Published on 01/18/17 09:51An asteroid flies to Earth today 2017: a celestial body will fly by on January 18 at a distance of 229 million km from Earth.
The inhabitants of our planet will be able to see on Epiphany night from January 18 to January 19, 2017 the asteroid Vesta, which will become the brightest this year, as it will be in opposition to the Sun.
"If the weather is clear, it can be observed with the naked eye," TASS quoted a representative of the Moscow Planetarium as saying.
Asteroid Vesta is the second most massive asteroid in the main asteroid belt. intkbbee between Mars and Jupiter. The celestial body was discovered by Heinrich Olbers on March 29, 1807, and the asteroid got its name in honor of the goddess Vesta, the keeper of the hearth.
As scientists note, the asteroid Vesta has a very bright surface and is the only celestial object of its kind visible to the naked eye from Earth on a clear night. Its size is 576 km across. It is capable of approaching our planet at a small distance by cosmic standards of 177 million km.
"On January 18, Vesta will be located at a distance of about 229 million km from the Earth. Vesta can be observed at the latitude of Moscow all night, from evening to morning, from 17:00 Moscow time to 07:00 Moscow time in the constellation of Cancer. The brilliance of Vesta during the confrontation will reach 6.2 m (magnitude), which will make it possible, under clear cloudless weather, to observe the asteroid with the naked eye," the planetarium stressed.
The celestial body, subject to cloudless weather, will be visible from 17:00 Wednesday to 07:00 Thursday at the latitude of Moscow. At the same latitude are such cities as Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Chelyabinsk, Omsk, Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk. You need to look for an asteroid in the southeastern part of the sky, between the constellations Leo and Gemini.
Vesta bypasses the Sun in an almost circular orbit: at the farthest point it is 2.6 thousand times farther from the star than the Earth, at the closest point - 2.2 times. Vesta's path runs along the main asteroid belt, which is located between Mars and Jupiter. An asteroid makes one revolution around the Sun in 3.63 years. The closest distance that Vesta can approach the Earth is 177 million km.
It can be a shame to miss the opposition between the Sun and the asteroid: Vesta is the only asteroid that is visible to the naked eye and looks like a rather dim star. Its brightness will be 6.2 magnitudes. The fact is that the scale of stellar magnitudes has the opposite values: the lower the indicator, the brighter the light (for comparison: one of the brightest stars - Polaris - has a magnitude of 1.97). It will be possible to consider Vesta later, but for this you will have to arm yourself with a telescope. The asteroid will continue its journey across the sky, move from the constellation of Cancer towards Gemini and go further.
Messenger from Vesta
It is curious that the inhabitants of the Earth were probably lucky enough to touch Vesta. In the 1960s, a meteorite fell in Australia. After analyzing the chemical composition of the fragment later and studying the spectral analysis data, the scientists came to the conclusion that it could have broken off from Vesta. The meteorite, 9.6x8.1x8.7 cm in size, consists of the pyroxene mineral, which is formed during periods of lava flooding. Its structure indicates that the mineral itself was once in a molten state. Probably, Vesta survived a powerful collision with another object, after which at least one of its fragments fell to Earth.
Humanity has come closest to an asteroid as part of NASA's Dawn mission. The automatic interplanetary station entered Vesta's orbit in July 2011 and continued to explore it until September 2012. In one of the first images taken during the mission from a distance of 1.2 million km, the asteroid appears as a bright luminous spot due to the very large amount of light reflected by Vesta. The actual dimensions of the celestial body are much more modest.
- Rassvet image of the giant asteroid Vesta
- Reuters
Didn't get tall
The Dawn mission confirmed data from the Hubble telescope: in the southern hemisphere of the asteroid, whose size exceeds 500 km in diameter, there is a huge impact crater Rheasilvia. Its diameter is almost 460 km, and its depth is 12. Traces of many other collisions are also visible on the surface.
Vesta, apparently formed during the formation of the solar system about 4.6 billion years ago, has an iron-nickel core, a crust formed partly from solidified lava, and many traces of volcanic activity. The basalt surface, which reflects light well, is precisely the reason for the brightness of the asteroid. Signs of the presence of water have been found on Vesta, there is its own Everest (it is almost three times higher than the earth) and an interesting attraction - a series of craters called "Snowman".
- A series of craters "Snowman" on the asteroid Vesta
The structure and history of the formation of Vesta make it something similar to the Earth and other planets. For this reason, it is also called a protoplanet, which never grew to the appropriate size.
Vesta in the horoscope is associated with the sign of Virgo, but it also has an affinity with the sign of Scorpio. In the original Zodiac of Assyrian culture there was no constellation of Libra: Virgo was followed by Scorpio, and what later became Libra were the claws of Scorpio.
Vesta in the horoscope
The symbols of Virgo and Scorpio are similar, only the sign of Virgo is directed inward, and Scorpio is directed outward. The Great Mother Goddess symbolized both the chastity of the Virgin and the marriage of Scorpio at the same time. And only in a patriarchal culture did the Libra marriage sign create an artificial division of female roles (virginity before marriage and sexuality after). The discovery of Vesta shows the possibility of combining these two themes in one archetype.
In general, Vesta reflects the principle of sex as a means of spiritual service. However, in the modern soul, it often presents a wide range of sexual difficulties resulting from the suppression of natural instincts.
Vesta in signs describes 12 styles of focus, commitment, and what we must give up in order to fulfill our life purpose. She also describes a way of handling sexual energy: its freedom, sublimation or suppression.
Vesta in the houses indicates an area of commitment or dedication to something, as well as an area of \u200b\u200blimitation
Vesta in the signs of the horoscope
Vesta in Aries
People work with a strong commitment to the cause. Motivation comes from within and they work better on their own and with their own ideas. Excesses occur if a person is so involved in the whirlpool of his activity that he leaves no room for others to participate in it. Finding this place can lead to wonderful personal accomplishments.
Vesta in Taurus
Better energy focusing in steady state. They are persistent and constant, like rocks, if they see tangible results of their efforts. Difficulties arise because of their inflexibility. Sexuality is based on the natural release of natural instincts. If there is no sexual satisfaction, sexuality can be stressful. A pragmatic, though acceptable approach to sexuality and comfort requires a material justification.
Vesta in Gemini
Concentration is facilitated by the spoken word and the information received. Good coordination. Alienation occurs through excessive intellectualization and the loss of the meaning of words. Mental exchange means a lot in sexual relationships. However, these people also tend to use words to create distance between themselves and others. The mind should not be allowed to dominate the emotions.
Vesta in Cancer
For an active business, a person must feel needed by others. The sympathetic connection with families and those who depend on them allows them to open the tap of the reservoir of working energy. Due to emotional hypersensitivity, withdrawal into oneself is possible, which is caused by the desire to protect oneself from real or imagined dangers from others.
Sexual satisfaction comes when a person feels loved and treated. And the feeling of insecurity encourages a break in relations. Relationships require emotional stability.
Vesta in Leo
A person works best when he is given creative freedom. The desire to be proud of your work aims at the desire to beautifully present the result. Since this person is radiant, alienation can arise if his brilliance is<сжигать>surrounding, as well as from her arrogance and arrogance. Romanticism and admiration evoke a sexual response. However, sexuality is restrained if the energy of reproduction is directed only to one's creative efforts.
Vesta in Virgo
Strong concentration at work. The incentive is the desire for improvement. The tendency to be overwhelmed and the habit of criticizing removes from others. Sex is seen as a service to the comfort of another or as a duty. The natural response may be hindered by the shortcomings of others. With the harmonization of this moment, a much greater efficiency in activity is achieved (Martin Luther).
Vesta in Libra
A person prefers to work with others more than on his own. He is trying to recruit others and benefit from their contributions. But since Libras need to compare themselves to others, there is a strong moment of competition. The need to be recognized as an equal and reproaches about<взятого и отданного>- an important factor in sexual relationships.
However, since there is a need to be accepted and admired, a person is forced to put aside his own needs and desires. It is vital to achieve the necessary balance between personal inclinations and the preferences of others.
Vesta in Scorpio
Such people often seek depth and are cautious in all ventures. Sex is seen as the ultimate experience despite all social taboos. On the other hand, the individual may have feelings of guilt, sin, and shame that drive him to repress his sexuality. The strongest concentration and devotion are available.
Vesta in Sagittarius
A person concentrates well when he is working for something he believes in. The ideal awakens his energy to work. Alienation occurs if he propagates his own view, regardless of the beliefs of others. The search for truth or adventure stimulates sexual activity, a lack of honesty can undermine relationships. These people can also turn sexual impulses into action. The mixture of these aspects forms practical idealists and mystics who are traumatized by the material world.
Vesta in Capricorn
It is best to work in a disciplined and consistent manner. Effort at work is often motivated by ambition or the desire to succeed. The ability to formulate and execute plans leads to success in administrative work. Adherence to rules and regulations can lead to excessive rigidity. Responsibility is necessary for the completeness of sexual relationships.
There may be fear of sexual intimacy or emotionality if it is associated with a critical approach or loss of power and control. Great strides can be made. These people expect success through the repayment of their debts.
Vesta in Aquarius
It is best for a person to work for a humanistic, social or political motivation: the ideal of freedom for oneself and others. Alienation can occur due to insufficient attention to the needs of loved ones. Often there is rebellion towards the figures of authority. The sexual response stimulates the unusual, and the person engages in sexual relationships with friends on a non-commercial and non-responsible basis.
Vesta in Pisces
The soul receives energy to work in service to others. There is a difficulty in finding the point of application of one's forces due to the vagueness of the goals. Such a person can play the role of a martyr and make others feel guilty for his suffering. The ability to heal others through sexual interaction or the sublimation of sexuality into spiritual realization.
A person may feel that his sexuality belongs to all who need it, and that no one alone has a right to it. Mixing dream and reality, in poetry and in practice.
Vesta in the houses of the horoscope
Vesta in the 1st house of the horoscope
Through a strong focus on self-determination or pursuing one's own goals, there may be a tendency to exclude long-term relationships from one's life. One-pointedness and abstinence can lead to significant gains. Loyalty to yourself.
Vesta in the second house of the horoscope
The ability to generate resources to provide and support yourself and loved ones. There may be restrictions in money, comfort and feelings so that the tension created leads to the study of the art of self-manifestation (Catherine II - conjunction with Mars).
Vesta in the third house of the horoscope
The purpose of the advanced mind is to spread information to others. There may be restrictions in communication in order to clarify one's own ideas. If a person is critical of himself, he may experience a feeling of inferiority of his intellect. This position is characterized by work with the intellect (Hermann Hesse, conjunction with the Moon in Pisces).
Vesta in the fourth house of the horoscope
Devotion to home and family. Often, the additional responsibility in the home in youth develops into responsibilities towards the family later. Such a person may experience limitations in personal freedom because of these obligations. An efficient and skilled approach to household chores is required.
Vesta in the 5th house of the horoscope
A vocation for personal creative expression - in children or art forms. Alienation from children, romance, and pleasure may be present. Due to the excessive sublimation of sexual energy, barriers may arise in this area. There is a need for a creative profession or something that puts a person in the spotlight.
Vesta in the 6th house of the horoscope
Dedication to work and efficient functioning. Health problems can draw attention to self-medication, nutritional care, and bodily exercise. The incentive to improve can lead to very good performance.
Vesta in the 7th house of the horoscope
A call to work in cooperation. But since Vesta craves self-fulfillment and independence, conflict can arise in cases where a compromise is required. Often a person is overly absorbed in interaction.
Vesta in the 8th house of the horoscope
A call to psychic and occult activities or deep engagement with others. It may also be difficult for such people to find someone who matches their sexual intensity, and thus they may feel limited in this area. Difficulties with others over the distribution of resources - money and energy - can lead to learning the ability to give up personal desires and share property.
Vesta in the IX house of the horoscope
A call to seek the truth. Too much focus on a belief system can lead to political or religious bigotry. Limitation of breadth of horizons. The ideal image must be found in the material world.
Vesta in the X house of the horoscope
Concentration on a career or position in society. Being close to the MC can indicate a spiritual calling. There may be difficulty in finding a satisfying destination and path if critical faculties are developed. Potential talents are tremendous discipline, thoroughness, and the will to work hard.
Vesta in the XI house of the horoscope
A call to group interaction. There may be restrictions in friends or companies, and from this a person understands the value of others in his life. There is a need to merge hopes and desires together so that a person can devote himself to the ideal.
Vesta in the XII house of the horoscope
Dedication to selfless service and adherence to spiritual values. There is a strong subconscious need for isolation and withdrawal in order to develop deep faith. Persecution for religious beliefs or fear of past mistakes can cause fear of penetration into the spiritual nature. There may be subconscious sexual fears and barriers that are overcome by connecting the pursuit of the infinite with a practical appreciation of the physical world and its limitations.
Aspects of Vesta in the horoscope
Aspects of the Sun - Vesta in the horoscope
Self-fulfillment, work and a sense of duty form the basis of life goals. Harmonious aspects: high level of personal integration. Devotion to the ideal and seriousness of intentions. These people may live according to their defined sexual values and avoid possessive relationships (Carl Jung, conjunction in Leo - the psychology of self-integration; Charles Dickens, in Aquarius, on IC).
Stressed: inability to find a satisfying career. Fear of intimacy and commitment. Mental anxiety and stress due to a sense of the futility of the chosen life direction. Excessive preoccupation with oneself can lead to alienation from others. The solution of the problem is in the development of the target focus and the integration of the energy of the personality with its vision of the world.
Moon aspects - Vesta horoscope
Concentration is combined with emotional responsibility. Harmonious aspects: fruitfulness, a strong desire to take care of others. Understanding without words and emotional response. Free and open attitude to sex. (Baudelaire is in Cancer, squared to the Sun in Aries).
Tense: Fear of intimacy and alienation from the emotional needs of others. An overly emotional look inward. There may be infertility. The solution to the problem is in understanding the essence of moral restrictions and sexual standards. Therapy can be used to help the individual release sexual and emotional energy.
Aspects Mercury - Vesta horoscope
The need to focus on thoughts and in the process of communication. Restlessness in purposeful practical creativity. Harmonious aspects: highly developed intellect, able to focus and direct his thoughts. An incentive to express ideas or dedicate oneself to teaching. Such a person can succeed in scientific research or as an agent, mediator, medium.
Tense: difficulties in communication - excessive accuracy in words, or, conversely, irresponsibility and vagueness. A crystal mental look inward, a quirk of the intellect, or just a focused study of a situation. Sometimes there may be sexual problems due to lack of communication with a partner. The solution to the problem lies in clarifying personal goals and thoughts and releasing unnecessary intellectual baggage. A clear mental process leads to clear communication.
Aspects of Venus - Vesta horoscope
Individual and independent attitude to intimate relationships. Harmonious aspects: the ability to combine femininity with individual self-manifestation. Deep understanding of female psychology. Sublimation of sexual energy for the sake of art or the spiritual path.
Tense: indicates a conflict between independence or the needs of the job and the needs of relationships, leading to alienation from people. They can mean puritanism, psychological coldness or frigidity, or, conversely, a tendency to debauchery. The process of integration facilitates the development of their own sexual rules.
Aspects of Mars - Vesta horoscope
The ability to volitional concentration of energy. Harmonious aspects: the ability to combine autonomy with intimate relationships, sensitivity and mastery in sexual expression. The ability to sublimate sexual energy into the struggle for a cause is a spiritual fighter. (Harriet Beecher Stowe, joining in Scorpio - the fight against slavery)
Tense: Restrictions in the expression of masculine energy, which can lead to psychological coldness or impotence. Indecisiveness in a responsible situation. Aggressiveness as compensation. The solution of the problem is in the study of the control of energy, stimuli and will, a clear presentation of the goal.
Aspects of Juno - Vesta horoscope
An evolutionary path that begins with the autonomy of man and ends with his reunion with the rest. Harmonious aspects: the ability to make serious commitments to others. These people are dedicated to refining and perfecting the partnership, which often takes the form of a sexually charged spiritual union.
Tense: Alienation from relationships or isolation within them. Sometimes sacrificing yourself to a partner or being overly involved in a relationship. Sexual dominance and control as part of the interaction. Integration is an individual role within a responsible relationship.
Aspects Jupiter - Vesta horoscope
Social assessment of one's vocation. Harmonious aspects: purpose to follow the truth and knowledge. These individuals have the ability to synthesize large-scale pictures in detail. Sexual power can be sublimated in the realm of politics, teaching, or spiritual initiation.
Tense: conflict between one's own philosophy and that which serves the greater good. These people may believe that only their philosophy is valuable as truth, that is, they are the pillars of religion. Sometimes such a person seeks to surpass himself and therefore is unable to fulfill his promises. Other difficulties are the overemphasis on sexual power. The solution to the problem lies in expanding the goal to include social and cultural forms.
Aspects Saturn - Vesta horoscope
Intense concentration and dedication. Harmonious aspects: self-discipline, the seriousness of the goal and the ability to realize aspirations and hopes through hard work and dedication. Once realized, these aspirations are based on a solid and reliable foundation. Loyalty to one's home and obligations. (Gauguin, conjunction in Pisces, in opposition to Ceres in Virgo, left his wife and five children to pursue his artistic vocation in Polynesia. Nietzsche, in Aquarius, in the 2nd house).
Tense: Conflict between personal needs and responsibilities to others. The desire to avoid obligations or suffering under the burden of excessively heavy responsibility. A high standard of excellence for yourself and others. Problems may stem from preoccupation with work, over-ambition, or sexual restrictions. Problem solving is about developing a harmonious approach to duty in a way that brings personal joy and satisfaction.
Aspects Uranus - Vesta horoscope
Original or universal impulses on which a personal vocation is based. Harmonious aspects: mind concentrating on new or intuitive ideas. Scientific or occult research. The ability to devote oneself to new political, spiritual and religious views. Such people sometimes advocate sexual freedom and the principle of non-possession in sexual relationships.
Tense: the conflict between focusing on the task and the desire for new things and change. This can lead to rebellion against commitment and anarchic behavior. In sexual behavior, deviations from traditional sexual and ethical codes. The solution to the problem is to dedicate oneself to innovations and reforms that would bring about constructive changes in the old order, or the building of functional structures of the new order. (Leonardo da Vinci, opposition).
Aspects of Neptune - Vesta horoscope
Devotion to spiritual or artistic ideals. Harmonious aspects: sexual union as a means to achieve the mystical unity of Neptune. The depth of empathy that can lead to dedication to the service of the world. Spiritual or artistic vocation (Salvador Dali,<фотограф снов>, many of which have a sexual interpretation - connection).
Tense: dissipation of purpose and misunderstanding of obligations. A misperception of reality that leads to unnecessary self-denial and self-sacrifice. Spiritual or sexual frustrations or desire to avoid work. The solution to the problem is to use the power of Vesta in order to effectively interact with physical reality and other dimensions (Goya, the spokesman for the reality of the unconscious, is the opposition).
Pluto aspects - Vesta horoscope
A sense of purpose for the transformation of society. Harmonious aspects: the ability to focus a large amount of energy in order to reach a different reality. Transformation of sexuality for regeneration, healing and enlightenment. This aspect may mean a call to use power in the service of spiritual or social ideals.
Tense: Conflict between the use of power for personal and impersonal ends. This can lead to blocking the desire for power and releasing it in a destructive way. There may be obsessive sexual desires, exaggerated fear of death, paranoia, and excessive self-interest. There may also be a sense of isolation from society. The solution to the problem lies in concentrating forces on constructive social change. (Hitler, semi-square).
Demeter George, astrologer
Asteroid Vesta was discovered on March 29, 1807 by Heinrich Wilhelm Olbers and is one of the brightest asteroids that can be observed from Earth on a clear night. It is located in the asteroid belt, between Mars and Jupiter. This asteroid has always attracted scientists, as it closely resembles a planet that suffered a collision with some huge object more than two million years ago. Despite the fact that the asteroid is almost the same age as the planet Earth, in the pictures it looks like a nascent planet. Usually, small objects of the Solar System (satellites, asteroids), devoid of a magnetic field and not protected by a powerful atmosphere, inevitably “age” from the effects of cosmic dust, meteorite impacts, and the solar wind. But for some reason, the surface of this asteroid looks like that of a young planet that has not undergone cosmic weathering (darkening of the surface). To solve all these mysteries, more accurate information was needed than that which is available only through a telescope. And on September 27, 2007, NASA's Dawn space probe was launched - the first space mission to Vesta. Already on June 1, 2011, the first images of Vesta were obtained by the Dawn space probe, which showed the rotation of the asteroid. On September 5, 2012, the Dawn spacecraft, having completed the collection and transmission of data, left the orbit around Vesta and headed towards Ceres. Dawn made 78 observations of Vesta, the highest quality in the history of such interplanetary missions. An amazing discovery was the discovery in the southern hemisphere of Vesta of two huge craters, partially overlapping each other. The former has a diameter of 395 km, while the latter is 505 km, which is almost 90% of the diameter of Vesta itself. Also, noticeable gravitational anomalies were discovered and the first gravitational map of Vesta was compiled. According to gravimetric measurements, the substance of Vesta is concentrated towards the center, possibly forming an iron core. The axis of the asteroid is tilted by about 27 degrees, that is, more than the earth's (23.5 degrees). For comparison: the axis of the Moon, which has craters constantly in the shadow, is tilted by only about one and a half degrees. As a result, the seasons change on Vesta, and every part of its surface at some point sees the Sun.
Vesta. astrological context.
Vesta is the goddess who keeps the eternal and holy fire of spiritual development, transformation, purification and enlightenment. From an astrological point of view, it develops vigilance and responsibility, ethical concerns in a person. It serves to maintain life without taking part in life itself. The position in the natal chart indicates those areas of life where a person can do something more and sacrifice himself for the common good. Where Vesta is, we must allow the other person to see what we consider most precious, but often, this is also the most vulnerable. If Vesta has a connection with the planets of relationships, then such people are always tuned in to a serious relationship, frivolity is not in their style. They would prefer loneliness more than frivolous and unsuitable partners. For example, the Vesta-Luna interaction gives a sense of belonging, and day by day after we meet, we share this feeling with those we love. Tolerate relationships that do not allow this, such people simply will not. In the dynamic unfolding of the horoscope, Vesta manifests itself especially clearly in such events as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child (a child comes to a family), a change of residence. Less actively and not always, Vesta is involved in the formation of instructions for the purchase or sale of real estate, travel, the appearance of a new family member in the apartment. This happens, for example, in directions - by aspecting Vesta with the rulers and cusps of the "marriage" houses - I, III, IV, VII, X. Moreover, as expected, Vesta both gives aspects from her directional position and receives them to its natal position. For example, in the year of divorce, it becomes on the cusp of crisis houses (IV, VIII, XII), has a configuration with Nodes, a connection or a negative aspect with the rulers of "marriage" or crisis houses. In any case, the use of the asteroid Vesta is additional important information when reading a horoscope.
The Dawn spacecraft took this image on July 17, 2011. It was located at a distance of about 15,000 kilometers (9,500 miles) from Vesta. Credit & Copyright: NASA / JPL-Caltech / UCLA / MPS / DLR / IDA.
Vesta is the second most massive object in the asteroid belt, second only to Ceres, which is classified as a dwarf planet. Vesta, the brightest asteroid in the sky, is sometimes visible from Earth to the naked eye. This is the first asteroid visited by a spacecraft. The Dawn mission showed us Vesta in 2011, providing new data on this rocky world.
In 1596, after studying planetary orbits, Johannes Kepler came to the conclusion that a planet must exist in the region between Mars and Jupiter. The mathematical calculations of Johann Daniel Titius and Johann Elert Bode in 1772, later known as the Titius-Bode law, seemed to support this prediction. In August 1798, a group of astronomers began searching for this missing planet. Among the latter was the German astronomer Heinrich Olbers. Olbers discovered the second asteroid known at that time - Pallas. In his letter to astronomers, he outlined the theory of the origin of these asteroids.
“Perhaps Ceres and Pallas are just a couple of fragments ... of a once larger planet that was once located between Mars and Jupiter,” he wrote.
Olbers believed that the fragments of this planet would intersect at the point of destruction and on the opposite side of the orbit. He observed these two areas and discovered Vesta on March 29, 1807, becoming the first person to discover two asteroids.
Numerous impact craters are visible in this image of the giant asteroid Vesta taken by the Dawn spacecraft. Credit & Copyright: NASA / JPL-Caltech / UCLA / MPS / DLR / IDA. Vesta is unique among asteroids in that the light and dark areas on its surface are similar to those of the Moon. Ground-based observations have shown that the asteroid has basaltic regions, which implies that lava flowed on its surface in the past. It has an irregular shape, approximately the same as that of an oblate spheroid.
When Vesta approached Earth in 1996, the Hubble Space Telescope displayed some of the object's topographical features. For example, a large crater at the south pole, which averages about 460 kilometers in diameter, while Vesta itself is only 530 kilometers across. The crater is about 13 kilometers deep and most likely formed due to a major impact early in the asteroid's life. The material ejected from this collision resulted in a number of smaller vestoid asteroids that orbit their parent, as well as meteorites that crashed into the Earth.
Unlike most asteroids, Vesta's structure is differentiated. Like the planets, the asteroid has a crust of chilled lava that covers a rocky mantle and an iron-nickel core. These properties are an argument in favor of the fact that Vesta should be considered a protoplanet, and not an asteroid.
In fact, if not for Jupiter, Vesta would have a good chance of becoming a planet.
“The velocities in the asteroid belt were really high, and the higher the speed, the more difficult it is for planetesimals to coalesce,” said David O’Brien of the institute in Tucson, Arizona.
In 1960, a fireball that swept through the sky over Australia, as it turned out later, was part of Vesta. Composed almost entirely of pyroxene, the meteorite has the same spectral characteristics as Vesta.
In October 2010, the Hubble Space Telescope focused again on Vesta. The data obtained showed that the tilt of the asteroid is about four degrees more than the researchers previously thought. The data helped NASA place the Dawn spacecraft in polar orbit around the asteroid.
The Dawn spacecraft, which has been studying the asteroid since 2012, found that there is a surprising amount of hydrogen on the surface of this rocky body. He also discovered bright reflective areas that may have appeared after he was born.
“Our analysis shows that this bright material has not changed much since Vesta was formed more than 4 billion years ago,” said Jian-Yang Li.
There is a huge mountain at the south pole of Vesta that reaches a height of over 20 kilometers (65,000 feet), making it almost as tall as Mount Olympus on Mars. Mount Olympus is the largest mountain (and volcano) in the solar system. It rises 24 kilometers (15 miles) above the surface of Mars.
In addition, astronomers believe that liquid water existed on the asteroid. Images taken by the Dawn spacecraft showed curved ravines and fan-shaped deposits in eight different Vesta craters. All eight craters are believed to have formed in the last few hundred million years, which is relatively recent for a 4.5 billion year old asteroid.
“No one expected to find evidence of water on Vesta because its surface is very cold and has no atmosphere, which would cause any water on its surface to evaporate quickly,” Jennifer Scully, a PhD student at University of Los Angeles.
Dawn also detected signs of hydrated minerals (materials containing water molecules) on Vesta's surface, which could also hint at the presence of subsurface ice.