Haumea is a really cool object in space that belongs to our solar system. It’s the third dwarf planet from the Sun and has some special features that make it different from other dwarf planets.
There was a bit of a debate about who discovered Haumea first, with both scientists from Caltech and a Spanish observatory claiming the find. At first, it was nicknamed “Santa,” but in 2008, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) officially named it a dwarf planet.
Haumea is shaped like an oval, which is unusual for planets. This shape is because it spins really fast, taking only 3.9 hours to complete one rotation. It’s one of the fastest spinning large objects in our solar system!
The name “Haumea” comes from Hawaiian culture, where it is the name of the goddess of childbirth and fertility. This gives Haumea a special cultural meaning, adding to its mystery and charm.
Haumea has two moons named Hi’iaka and Namaka. Hi’iaka is the bigger and icier moon, while Namaka is smaller. These moons help scientists learn more about Haumea and its features.
It takes Haumea a long time to travel around the Sun—about 285 Earth years! This long journey is typical for objects that are far away in our solar system.
Haumea’s surface is thought to have a thin layer of ice, which makes it look different from other dwarf planets. This icy surface is one reason why astronomers find Haumea so interesting.
Haumea is a standout in our solar system because of its fast spin, unique shape, cultural ties, and interesting moons. As the third dwarf planet from the Sun, it continues to fascinate scientists and space fans everywhere.
Spin and Shape Experiment: Create a simple experiment to understand why Haumea is shaped like an oval due to its fast spin. Take a ball of playdough and shape it into a sphere. Spin it quickly on a flat surface and observe how it changes shape. Discuss with your friends or family why fast spinning causes the shape to change. Can you think of any other objects that change shape when they spin fast?
Haumea’s Journey: Imagine Haumea’s long journey around the Sun. If it takes 285 Earth years for Haumea to complete one orbit, how many Earth years would it take for it to complete half an orbit? Use a calculator or ask an adult to help you with the math. Discuss how this long journey compares to Earth’s one-year orbit around the Sun.
Moon Observation: Haumea has two moons, Hi’iaka and Namaka. Go outside at night and observe Earth’s moon. Draw a picture of what you see. Then, imagine what Hi’iaka and Namaka might look like based on what you’ve learned. How do you think they help scientists learn more about Haumea?
