Calculating the topography of a differentiated Vesta

Previous examination of the topography of a homogenous Vesta revealed an immense, seemingly abnormal impact crater near the south pole of the asteroid. The crater appeared anomalously shallow, with an extremely tall central peak, suggesting an unusual formation or subsequent modification. Conversely, Vesta is almost certainly differentiated, and we incorporate this notion to reexamine its topography. 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. The large density contrast between the metallic core and the overlying silicate layers has the strongest control on the topography. As previously discussed, the location of the crater at the south pole suggests polar wander, necessitating a mechanical structure that allows reorientation of Vesta's large rotational bulge yet preserves the crater's shape, a possibly restrictive scenario. NASA's Dawn spacecraft may observe tectonics consistent with polar wander.