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. Vesta was discovered in 1807 by the astronomer Heinrich Wilhelm Olbers. It is known for its unique surface features, including large craters and a bright, reflective surface caused by the presence of minerals like olivine and pyroxene. Vesta has been studied by spacecraft, including NASA's Dawn mission, which provided valuable data about its composition and history.