Rheasilvia
Rheasilvia is a large impact crater on the surface of Vesta, one of the largest asteroids in the Solar System. Here are detailed facts about Rheasilvia:
- Location: Rheasilvia is located near the south pole of Vesta.
- Size: It is approximately 505 kilometers in diameter, making it one of the largest impact basins in the Solar System relative to the size of the body it's on.
- Depth: The crater has a depth of about 19 kilometers, indicating a significant impact event.
- Central Peak: At the center of Rheasilvia, there is a prominent central peak, which rises to an impressive height of 22 kilometers above the crater floor. This peak is one of the tallest structures on any body in the Solar System relative to its size.
- Formation: The crater is believed to have formed from an impact event that occurred around 1 to 2 billion years ago. The impactor would have been about 50 kilometers in diameter.
- Geological Significance: The formation of Rheasilvia has significantly influenced the geology of Vesta. It caused widespread fracturing of Vesta's crust and possibly influenced the asteroid's overall shape.
- Discovery: The crater was first observed in detail by NASA's Dawn spacecraft in 2011, which orbited Vesta for over a year to study its surface features.
- Naming: Rheasilvia is named after Rhea Silvia, the mythical mother of Romulus and Remus, who are considered the founders of Rome. The name reflects the connection between Vesta (the Roman goddess of hearth, home, and family) and the legendary history of Rome.
Context: The study of Rheasilvia provides insights into the impact processes in the early Solar System, the differentiation of asteroids, and the geological history of Vesta. It also aids in understanding how large impacts can alter the shape and structure of small celestial bodies.
External Links
Related Topics