Namaka

Namaka is a natural satellite of Haumea, a dwarf planet located in the Kuiper belt. It is the smaller, inner moon of the Haumea system and was identified in 2005 as part of the discovery of Haumea’s two moons. The name Namaka was chosen by the International Astronomical Union and is drawn from the Hawaiian sea goddess Namaka.

Namaka orbits Haumea in a relatively close and inclined path, and its motion is dynamically coupled with the outer moon Hi'iaka. Gravitational interactions between Namaka and Hi'iaka have led to measurable changes in their orbital elements over time, illustrating the complex dynamics that can arise in multi-moon systems around distant, small bodies.

Information about Namaka’s exact size and composition is limited due to the challenges of observing distant Kuiper Belt objects. It is generally regarded as a small, icy body, consistent with other satellites in the Haumea system and with broader expectations for Kuiper Belt satellites.

The Namaka–Hi'iaka system contributes to the study of Kuiper Belt satellites and the formation of multiple-moon systems around dwarf planets. The Haumea system, including Namaka, Hi'iaka, and the primary body, serves as a key example for researchers examining collisional histories and satellite dynamics in the outer solar system. The name Namaka also reflects Hawaiian mythology, where Namaka is a sea goddess.