Haumea

Haumea is a dwarf planet located in the Kuiper Belt, a region of the outer solar system. It was discovered in 2004 by a team of astronomers led by Mike Brown of the California Institute of Technology. Haumea is unique among the known dwarf planets due to its elongated shape, rapid rotation, and two small moons.

Physical Characteristics

Haumea is approximately the same size as Pluto, with a diameter of about 1,500 kilometers. Its elongated shape is thought to be the result of a high-speed collision with another object in the distant past. This collision likely caused Haumea to spin rapidly, completing a full rotation in just under four hours. Haumea's surface is covered in a layer of crystalline water ice, giving it a bright and reflective appearance.

Moons

Haumea is known to have two small moons, Hi'iaka and Namaka, which were discovered in 2005 and 2006, respectively. These moons are thought to be fragments of Haumea resulting from the collision that gave the dwarf planet its unusual shape.

Study Guide

What is the location of Haumea in the solar system?
Who discovered Haumea and when?
What sets Haumea apart from other dwarf planets?
What is the cause of Haumea's elongated shape and rapid rotation?
Describe the surface of Haumea.
How many moons does Haumea have and what are their names?
What is the significance of Haumea's moons?

◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Eighth Grade. Our Solar System

The resources above cover the following skills:

Earth/Space Science: Students will use scientific skills and processes to explain the chemical and physical interactions (i.e., natural forces and cycles, transfer of energy) of the environment, Earth, and the universe that occur over time.

Astronomy: Identify and describe the components of the universe.

Identify that our solar system is a component of the Milky Way Galaxy.

Astronomy: Identify and explain celestial phenomena using the regular and predictable motion of objects in the solar system.

Identify and describe how the shape and location of the orbits of asteroids and comets affect their periods of revolution.