RHEASILVIA Meaning and
Definition
-
Rheasilvia is a term primarily used in planetary science and astronomy to denote a prominent feature on the surface of the asteroid Vesta, the second-largest body in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. It refers to a large and imposing impact basin located in the southern hemisphere of Vesta.
The name Rheasilvia is derived from the Roman goddess Vesta's Greek equivalent, Hestia, combined with the word "rhea," which in Greek mythology is the mother of many significant deities. This combination is suggestive of the immense size and importance of the feature.
Rheasilvia is characterized by a central peak rising above its surrounding floor. This peak, known as the Rheasilvia Mons, stands approximately 23 kilometers (14 miles) high, making it one of the tallest mountains in our solar system. It is believed to have formed as a result of the colossal impact that created the Rheasilvia basin nearly four billion years ago.
The Rheasilvia impact basin has a diameter of approximately 505 kilometers (314 miles) and is surrounded by a series of concentric rings. Its formation dramatically altered the landscape of Vesta, leaving a distinct and recognizable feature visible from space.
The study of Rheasilvia and its geological characteristics has provided valuable insights into the early history and evolution of Vesta and has contributed significantly to our understanding of the processes that shaped celestial bodies in the early solar system.
Etymology of RHEASILVIA
The word "Rheasilvia" has its origin in Roman mythology and is derived from the Latin words "Rhea" and "Silvia".
In Roman mythology, Rhea Silvia, also known as Ilia, was a Vestal Virgin who gave birth to Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome. According to the myth, she was impregnated by the god Mars while asleep, which led to the birth of the twins.
The term "Rheasilvia" was coined by the German astronomer Johann Elert Bode in the late 18th century. Bode named it after both Rhea Silvia and the highest mountain in the Harz mountain range in Germany, called Brocken. The name Rheasilvia was chosen for a gigantic impact basin on the asteroid Vesta, which was discovered by the Hubble Space Telescope in 2007.
