Saturnalia Fossae
(Redirected from Saturnalia Fossa)
 Saturnalia Fossae runs obliquely near the terminator at upper right of this full view of Vesta, with nearby grooves parallel to it | |
| Feature type | Trough system |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 28°3′N 37°3′E / 28.050°N 37.050°E[1] |
| Length | 344.94 km[1] |
| Discoverer | Dawn |
| Eponym | Saturnalia |
Saturnalia Fossae /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.[2] It is one of the longer chasms in the Solar System. The trough system is named after the Roman festival of Saturnalia; the name Saturnalia Fossae was officially approved by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) on 27 December 2011.[1]
See also[edit]
- Divalia Fossae, the largest of the Rheasilvian troughs.
References[edit]
- ^ a b c "Saturnalia Fossae". Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature. USGS Astrogeology Research Program. (Center Latitude: 28.05°, Center Longitude: 37.05°)
- ^ "Exploration of Saturnalia Fossae and associated structures in Vesta's northern hemisphere". Paper No. 152-12, 2012 GSA Annual Meeting in Charlotte (4–7 November 2012). Archived from the original on 3 February 2014.
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