Haumea is a dwarf planet located in the Kuiper Belt. It is known for its peculiar elongated shape, believed to be a result of its rapid rotation causing it to become elongated. Haumea is named after a Hawaiian goddess of fertility and childbirth. It has two small moons, Hiʻiaka and Namaka.
Haumea's oblong shape is believed to be the result of its rapid rotation. The dwarf planet spins so quickly that it has been stretched into an elongated shape, with a length-to-width ratio of approximately 2:1. This phenomenon is similar to how some other celestial bodies, such as asteroids, acquire their irregular shapes due to their rotation.
In terms of mass, it is about one-third that of Pluto. Its radius is only about 20 km less than that of Pluto, making them very similar in size, though Haumea is very different in shape. Pluto is much more spherical, while Haumea is more oblong.
The name Haumea comes from Hawaiian mythology and represents the goddess of fertility and childbirth. It is fitting as the dwarf planet Haumea was named after her due to its elongated shape, symbolizing creation and growth.
Haumea is a dwarf planet composed mainly of rock, water ice, and other frozen gases such as methane. It has a unique elongated shape due to its rapid rotation, and its surface is believed to be covered in a layer of crystalline water ice.
Haumea is a dwarf planet located in the Kuiper Belt. It is known for its peculiar elongated shape, believed to be a result of its rapid rotation causing it to become elongated. Haumea is named after a Hawaiian goddess of fertility and childbirth. It has two small moons, Hiʻiaka and Namaka.
Haumea's oblong shape is believed to be the result of its rapid rotation. The dwarf planet spins so quickly that it has been stretched into an elongated shape, with a length-to-width ratio of approximately 2:1. This phenomenon is similar to how some other celestial bodies, such as asteroids, acquire their irregular shapes due to their rotation.
In terms of mass, it is about one-third that of Pluto. Its radius is only about 20 km less than that of Pluto, making them very similar in size, though Haumea is very different in shape. Pluto is much more spherical, while Haumea is more oblong.
Haumea is sometimes known by its minor-planet designation, 136108 Haumea.
Most are round, but Haumea is an oval ellipsoid. One of the qualifications for an object to be designated a 'dwarf planet' is that it has 'hydrostatic equilibrium', i.e. not a loose agglomeration constantly changing shape. Haumea has one longer axis, making it 'melon-shaped' but apparently stable. Haumea's shape is thought to be caused by its rapid rotation around its long axis, a single complete rotation requiring just 4 hours.
The name Haumea comes from Hawaiian mythology and represents the goddess of fertility and childbirth. It is fitting as the dwarf planet Haumea was named after her due to its elongated shape, symbolizing creation and growth.
Haumea is a dwarf planet composed mainly of rock, water ice, and other frozen gases such as methane. It has a unique elongated shape due to its rapid rotation, and its surface is believed to be covered in a layer of crystalline water ice.
Hi`iaka and Namaka, two of the daughters of Haumea
Haumea is pronounced as "how-MAY-ah".
Yes, Haumea is a rocky, terrestrial planet.
Haumea's rotational period is 3.9155 hours.
Haumea appears very bright, since 65-80% of its surface is covered in crystalline water ice. The rest is probably rocky. A large dark red area was seen in September 2009, possibly a large crater or other impact feature. In shape, it is ellipsoidal, resembling a rugby ball or an American football.