Vesta (designated 4 Vesta) is one of the largest objects in the Solar System's Asteroid Belt, first discovered by Heinrich Wilhelm Olbers on 29 March 1807.
About Vesta[]
Throughout Isaac Asimov's fictional universe, Vesta is frequently referenced as a significant celestial body and location of human activity, particularly during the early era of solar system colonization. It appears across multiple works as both a setting and reference point, reflecting its importance in the emerging infrastructure of interplanetary travel.
Appearances in Asimov's Works[]
"Marooned off Vesta" (1939)[]
Vesta serves as the primary astronomical setting for this early Asimov story.The damaged starliner Silver Queen becomes trapped in orbit around Vesta following a catastrophic meteor collision. The asteroid's gravitational field plays a crucial role in the narrative, as the survivors must precisely calculate their orbital mechanics to shift their trajectory close enough to Vesta for rescue signals to be detected by its monitoring stations. The story presents Vesta as having established human facilities, likely early mining or scientific outposts, capable of receiving distress calls and launching rescue operations.
"The Martian Way" (1952)[]
Vesta is mentioned as one of the asteroids serving as a water source for space colonists. Martian "scavengers" travel to Vesta and other asteroids to harvest ice, which is then transported to Mars.
"The Currents of Space" (1952)[]
While not directly featuring Vesta, this novel exists in the same broader universe and contributes to the world-building of an inhabited solar system.
"Anniversary" (1959)[]
In this sequel story, set years after the events of "Marooned off Vesta", the asteroid is referenced as the permanent grave of the Silver Queen wreckage. The characters confirm that the derelict ship remains in its eternal orbit around Vesta, having never been recovered. The asteroid itself has apparently developed further, with the mention of operational facilities that would have been capable of receiving the strengthened distress signal years earlier.
Foundation Series (1951-1993)[]
Though set millennia in the future, the series occasionally references the early solar system period when asteroids like Vesta were first colonized.
Trivia[]
Asimov's depiction of Vesta as an inhabited body predates actual scientific knowledge about the asteroid.
The name "Vesta" comes from the Roman goddess of home and hearth, reflecting Asimov's theme of humanity making homes throughout the solar system.