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Haumea

Haumea is a dwarf planet in the Kuiper Belt beyond Neptune.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Haumea is a dwarf planet in the Kuiper Belt beyond Neptune. It is known for its elongated shape, rapid rotation, two moons, and a ring system. Haumea was originally designated 2003 EL61 and was named after the Hawaiian goddess of fertility and childbirth.

Discovery and naming

Haumea was first identified in observations made in 2003 and publicly announced in 2005. It was later named for Haumea, the Hawaiian goddess associated with fertility and childbirth.

Physical characteristics

Haumea is notable for its elongated shape and very rapid rotation, which distort its figure. NASA describes it as roughly 1,740 km across at the equator and extremely cold, with a surface believed to be rock covered by ice.

Orbit and classification

Haumea orbits the Sun in the Kuiper Belt about 43 astronomical units away, taking 285 Earth years to complete one orbit. The International Astronomical Union classified it as a dwarf planet in 2008.

Moons and rings

Haumea has two known moons, Hiʻiaka and Namaka. It is also the first known Kuiper Belt object with a confirmed ring system.

Key facts

  • Haumea is an oval-shaped dwarf planet in the Kuiper Belt, a region of icy bodies beyond Neptune.
  • It is one of the fastest rotating large objects in the Solar System, completing one rotation in about 4 hours.
  • Its rapid spin makes it unusually elongated, with a shape often compared to a football or rugby ball.
  • Haumea has two known moons, Hiʻiaka and Namaka.
  • It is the first known Kuiper Belt object confirmed to have rings.
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Canadian context

Haumea is relevant to Canadian readers through its place in Solar System science and astronomy education, including studies of distant Kuiper Belt objects observed by international research teams.

Frequently asked questions

What is Haumea?
Haumea is a dwarf planet in the Kuiper Belt beyond Neptune.
Why is Haumea unusual?
It is unusually elongated and spins very quickly, completing one rotation in about 4 hours.
How many moons does Haumea have?
Haumea has two known moons: Hiʻiaka and Namaka.
Does Haumea have rings?
Yes. Haumea is the first known Kuiper Belt object confirmed to have rings.
When was Haumea classified as a dwarf planet?
The International Astronomical Union classified Haumea as a dwarf planet in 2008.

References

  1. NASA Science — https://science.nasa.gov/dwarf-planets/haumea/
    Supports: Location in the Kuiper Belt, rapid rotation, elongated shape, moons, rings, orbital period, naming, physical properties
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Haumea
    Supports: Discovery history, naming, and dwarf-planet classification
  3. Space.com — https://www.space.com/23091-haumea.html
    Supports: General description, Kuiper Belt location, classification, and moons
  4. Nature — https://www.nature.com/articles/nature24051
    Supports: Elongated shape and rapid rotation