Ceres, the dwarf planet originally classified as an asteroid, has revealed a more intricate surface than previously understood, according to new findings presented at the European Geosciences Union 2026 General Assembly in Vienna. Data from NASA's Dawn mission indicates that Ceres features steep slopes, fractures, and significant albedo variations that complicate the identification of craters. Notably, the Occator crater, which is about 92 km wide and the youngest of its size on Ceres, shows a gravity anomaly suggesting the presence of subsurface brines. These brines likely ascended through fractures created by the impact that formed Occator, leading to the bright deposits seen today. The analysis suggests that Ceres may have had a subsurface ocean in the past, with a high water content of approximately 25%. The bright deposits, particularly in Occator, are believed to be linked to cryovolcanic and hydrothermal processes. Future missions, such as a proposed NASA JPL sample return mission, aim to further investigate these features and assess the potential for landing safely on Ceres.