The Dwarf Planet Ceres (a Giant Rock Located In The Asteroid Belt) Has Two Bright Spots In The Center

The dwarf planet Ceres (a giant rock located in the asteroid belt) has two bright spots in the center of one of its craters. As the Dawn spacecraft has approached Ceres, those spots have become more distinct - but scientists still have no idea what they’re made of. Ice? Salt? Volcanic rock?

Dawn has also peered down at the tallest feature on Ceres, a 4-mile-tall mountain. Again, scientists aren’t sure what forces could have shaped it, or why it has dark streaks on one side, and bright streaks on the other.

It’s a mystery!

Credit:NASA/JPL