Hi'iaka

Hi’iaka

Hi'iaka was discovered in 2005 alongside its parent dwarf planet Haumea and its fellow moon Namaka, using the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii. This moon possesses a modest estimated diameter of approximately 310 kilometers (193 miles) and maintains an orbital distance of around 49,000 kilometers (30,448 miles) from Haumea. Named after one of Haumea's daughters in Hawaiian mythology, Hi'iaka adheres to the Hawaiian naming theme that reflects Haumea's cultural connection. Like its sibling moon Namaka, Hi'iaka plays a pivotal role in determining Haumea's mass and density through their orbital dynamics, offering insights into the inner structure of the dwarf planet.