Vesta is a rocky world orbiting the sun in the asteroid belt, containing about 9% of the mass of the entire asteroid belt and being the brightest member.
A recent study revealed Vesta does not have a core, contrary to previous belief based on its volcanic basaltic rock surface.
Two possible explanations for Vesta's core absence are either incomplete differentiation or being a broken fragment of a forming planet.
Further research is needed to determine if Vesta is indeed a former chunk of a young planet, challenging previous assumptions about its origins.