This computer model of Vesta uses colors to represent various chemical compositions of pyroxene, a mineral found in volcanic lava. For example, iron-rich pyroxene appears in green.
Scientists study these images to learn about the asteroid's geologic processes. Materials shown in orange were exposed and dispersed from Vesta during collisions. Close-up images of craters show colored formations that look like landslides. There may even be volcanoes on Vesta!
Click the play button to view the computer model.