NASA Dawn: Vesta asteroid

NASA handout image from the Dawn spacecraft of the giant asteroid Vesta.

NASA undated handout image obtained by the framing camera on the Dawn spacecraft shows the south pole of the giant asteroid Vesta.

Scientists are discussing whether the circular structure that covers most of this image originated by a collision with another asteroid, or by internal processes early in the asteroid's history.

The image was recorded from a distance of about 1,700 miles (2,700 kilometres). The image resolution is about 260 metres per pixel.

Picture: REUTERS/NASA