Haumea

Haumea is a dwarf planet located in the Kuiper Belt, a region of the outer solar system beyond the orbit of Neptune. It was officially recognized as a dwarf planet by the International Astronomical Union in 2008.

Physical Characteristics

• Haumea is elongated in shape, with its longest axis being about two times longer than the shortest axis.
• It has a rapid rotation period, spinning on its axis in just under four hours, making it one of the fastest rotating large objects in our solar system.
• The surface of Haumea is covered in crystalline water ice, giving it a high albedo (reflectivity).

Orbital Properties

• Haumea takes about 285 years to complete one orbit around the Sun.
• Its orbit is highly elliptical, taking it from a distance of about 35 astronomical units (AU) at its closest to the Sun, to 51 AU at its farthest point.

Study Guide

Here are some key points to study about Haumea:

1. What is Haumea's classification within the solar system?
2. Describe the physical characteristics of Haumea.
3. Explain Haumea's orbital properties, including its distance from the Sun and its orbital period.
4. Compare and contrast Haumea with other dwarf planets in the solar system.
5. Discuss the discovery and naming of Haumea.

For a more in-depth understanding, it would be beneficial to research the latest discoveries and scientific studies related to Haumea and its place in the solar system.

[Haumea] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Our Solar SystemScience • Eighth Grade