The dwarf planet Haumea resides in the distant Kuiper Belt beyond Neptune. Designated as the fifth recognized dwarf planet in our solar system, it stands out for its unusual elongated shape and its distinctive name, which is drawn from rich Hawaiian mythology. The story behind its designation involves astronomical discovery, scientific dispute, and the strict naming rules established by the international astronomical community. Exploring the origin of the name Haumea reveals the careful process required to permanently label an object in the outer reaches of the solar system.
The Path to Discovery
The existence of this large, icy body came to light in the early 2000s, initiating a complex and controversial discovery timeline. A Caltech team, led by astronomer Mike Brown, first identified the object in May 2004, informally nicknaming it “Santa.” The Caltech group delayed announcing their finding to gather more observational data. However, a Spanish team, led by José Luis Ortiz Moreno, announced the discovery in July 2005, based on archival images taken in 2003. This announcement triggered a dispute over who deserved the official discovery credit, and the object was temporarily assigned the provisional designation 2003 EL61.
IAU Naming Conventions
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is the sole authority responsible for formally naming celestial bodies. Haumea is categorized as a Trans-Neptunian Object (TNO) because it orbits the Sun at a greater average distance than Neptune. The IAU has a specific guideline requiring that large TNOs not in orbital resonance with Neptune be named after mythological figures associated with creation. This rule ensures thematic consistency, distinguishing them from other categories like Pluto-resonant objects. The IAU’s Committee on Small Body Nomenclature and the Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature review and approve all submitted name proposals.
The Hawaiian Deity Haumea
The Caltech discovery team proposed the name Haumea to the IAU in 2006, choosing the Hawaiian goddess of childbirth and fertility. This choice paid tribute to the W. M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii, where critical observations were made. Haumea is a significant figure in Hawaiian mythology, known for her ability to transform and for having children spring from various parts of her body. This story paralleled the dwarf planet’s unique physical characteristics: its rapid, four-hour rotation has stretched its body into an elongated shape. Astronomers theorize this rapid spin and the existence of a collisional family of icy debris resulted from a massive, ancient impact that “birthed” smaller objects from its surface.
Formal Recognition and Designation
The long-standing discovery dispute delayed the dwarf planet’s official naming for several years. The IAU finally announced the formal name and classification on September 17, 2008, designating the object as the dwarf planet Haumea. The organization did not assign official discovery credit to either team, instead listing the location of discovery as the Sierra Nevada Observatory while accepting the Caltech team’s name proposal. The naming process also extended to the dwarf planet’s two small moons, discovered by the Caltech team in 2005. They were named Hi’iaka and Namaka, after two of Haumea’s mythological daughters, cementing the celestial family’s connection to the goddess of creation.