Vesta

Vesta is one of the largest asteroids in the asteroid belt, located between Mars and Jupiter. Discovered in 1807, it is often classified as a protoplanet because it has differentiated into layers like a planet, featuring a rocky surface and a metal core. Vesta is about 326 miles (525 kilometers) in diameter and showcases unique geological features, such as gigantic craters, indicating it has undergone significant evolution. Studied using spacecraft like NASA's Dawn mission, Vesta provides insight into the early solar system and the formation of terrestrial planets.