Vestine (crater)

Vestine is a large impact crater located on the asteroid Vesta. It is situated in Vesta's southern hemisphere, partly overlapping the older and larger crater, Veneneia. Vestine is estimated to be approximately 455 kilometers (283 miles) in diameter, making it one of the largest known impact craters in the Solar System. The impact that created Vestine is believed to be responsible for excavating material from deep within Vesta's crust and mantle. Spectral analysis of ejected material around Vestine suggests the presence of olivine, indicating mantle material was brought to the surface. The impact also likely contributed to the formation of a family of smaller asteroids, known as the Vesta family, through fragmentation. Studying Vestine and the surrounding region provides valuable insights into Vesta's internal structure, composition, and geological history. It is named after the Roman vestal virgin Vestine.