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Science Hawaiian mythology plays role in naming of new dwarf planet
Science Hawaiian mythology plays role in naming of new dwarf planet | Hawaiian mythology plays role in naming of new dwarf planet |
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| by William Atkins | |
| Tuesday, 23 September 2008 | |
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Page 3 of 3 The name for the new dwarf planet came from "Haumea," the mythological Hawaiian goddess of childbirth and fertility. Featured Whitepaper
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Science DiscussionsSimilarly, the dwarf planet Haumea has two tiny natural satellites (moons) traveling along with it in its orbit about the Sun. Astronomers contend that the two objects were created when past impacts to the dwarf planet expelled two chunks, thus, forming the satellites. They are named Hi’iaka, or (136108) Haumea I, and Namaka, or (136108) Haumea II. In Hawaiian mythology, Hi’iaka was born from the mouth of Haumea (and is the patron goddess of the island of Hawaii and of hula dancers) and Namaka was born from her body (and is a water spirit). Hi'iaka was discovered in January 26, 2005, and Namaka was discovered in November 7, 2005, both at the Keck Observatory in Hawaii. |
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