Haumea is classified as a dwarf planet even though its shape resembles a watermelon. Why is it so distorted?
A) It has a massive, nearby moon.
B) Its two hemispheres have very different densities.
C) It has recently undergone a collision.
D) It rotates rapidly.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Haumea's elongated, watermelon-like shape is primarily due to its rapid rotation. It completes a rotation in less than 4 hours, which causes it to stretch out due to centrifugal force.

Haumea Is Classified as a Dwarf Planet Even Though Its