Saturnalia Fossa

Parallel trough on Vesta named after Saturnalia

Saturnalia Fossa runs obliquely near the terminator at upper right of this full view of Vesta, with nearby grooves parallel to it.

Saturnalia Fossa /sætərˈneɪliə ˈfɒsə/ is the largest of the series of parallel Veneneian troughs in the northern hemisphere of the giant asteroid 4 Vesta. It is estimated to be approx. 39 km (24 mi) wide and is at least 365 km (227 mi); as of early 2012, one end disappeared in shadow and its total length was thus unknown. It is thought to be a shock fractures resulting from the impact that created Veneneia crater, which it is concentric with.[1] It is one of the longer chasms in the Solar System, and is named after the Roman festival of Saturnalia.[2]

See also

  • Divalia Fossa, the largest of the Rheasilvian troughs.

References

  1. ^ Exploration of Saturnalia Fossa and associated structures in Vesta's northern hemisphere Archived 3 February 2014 at the Wayback Machine, Paper No. 152-12, 2012 GSA Annual Meeting in Charlotte (4–7 November 2012)
  2. ^ IAU/USGS (NASA coordinates)