Occator

Occator is a prominent impact crater on the dwarf planet Ceres, located near the equator. It was imaged in detail by NASA's Dawn spacecraft during its approach and orbital operations around Ceres from 2015 to 2016. Occator is notable for containing several of the brightest features observed on Ceres, notably Cerealia Facula and Vinalia Faculae, which lie on the crater floor.

Spectroscopic data from Dawn indicate that these bright spots are composed largely of salts and hydrated minerals, including sodium carbonates and other evaporite materials. The deposits are interpreted as the surface expression of briny liquids that once reached the surface through the crust and subsequently evaporated, leaving high-albedo residues.

In terms of geology, Occator is considered relatively young compared to many other features on Ceres, and its central bright region suggests recent or ongoing geologic activity, such as brine seepage or low-temperature cryovolcanism. The crater's morphology includes a central area of bright material and a smooth floor relative to surrounding terrain.

Nomenclature: The name Occator was approved by the International Astronomical Union in 2016. It is derived from Latin, consistent with the IAU's practice of using Latin or Latinized terms for features on Ceres. The brighter surface features within Occator are named Cerealia Facula and Vinalia Faculae, after Roman festivals.