Other
Scientific paper
Sep 2009
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009dps....41.5305k&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, DPS meeting #41, #53.05
Other
Scientific paper
Previous examination of the dynamic topography of a homogenous Vesta has revealed an immense, seemingly abnormal impact crater near the south pole of the asteroid. The crater appears anomalously shallow, and the extreme elevation of the central peak, which matches that of the rim, is very unusual and is generally only seen for some large craters on icy satellites. Taken at face value, this morphology suggests an unusual formation or subsequent modification of the crater. On the other hand, Vesta is almost certainly differentiated, and we incorporate this notion to reexamine the topography of the asteroid. Calculating the dynamic topography of a differentiated Vesta, we find that the central peak is well below the crater rim and that the overall depth of the crater increases, giving it a more ordinary profile. It is the large density contrast between a metallic core and the overlying silicate layers that has the strongest control on the topography. The location of the crater at the south pole suggests True Polar Wander, necessitating a mechanical structure that allows reorientation of Vesta's large rotational bulge. Conversely, the more ordinary (unmodified) shape of the crater indicates a structure that preserves the crater, a possibly restrictive scenario. We predict that NASA's Dawn spacecraft will observe tectonics consistent with True Polar Wander.
Dombard Andrew J.
Kattoum Yaser N.
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