Astronomers Name New Dwarf Planet Haumea After Hawaiian Goddess

Honolulu, HI (AHN) - After years of debate over the definition of planets in the solar system, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) has announced a new member in the family of dwarf planets.

USA Today reported that astronomers have changed previously known as 2003 EL61 to Haumea, after the goddess of childbirth and fertility in Hawaiian mythology.

The discovery of Haumea was announced in mid-2005, and resembles a plump shape cigar. Its diameter is approximately the same as that of the dwarf planet Pluto and contains 32 percent of Pluto's mass.

Haumea's odd shape, however, means that it is much thinner. It is also reported to be spinning very fast, making one rotation in about four hours.

Haumea joins Ceres, Pluto, Eris and Makemake as the fifth dwarf planet in our solar system.

Two years ago, Pluto was re-classified from planet to dwarf planet, sparking controversies and countless debate among astronomers.