Asteroid Vesta is one of the largest objects in the asteroid belt, located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. It has a diameter of about 525 kilometers (326 miles) and is classified as a protoplanet due to its size and differentiated structure, which includes a core, mantle, and crust. Discovered in 1807 by Heinrich Wilhelm Olbers, Vesta is known for its bright surface and unique geological features, including large craters and a massive mountain called Rheasilvia. It is considered a valuable target for scientific study, as it provides insights into the early solar system's formation and evolution.