Hygiea

About Hygiea

The fourth largest object in the asteroid belt, holding about 3 percent of its mass. Discovered by Annibale de Gasparis in 1849. Very dark, reflecting only 7 percent of sunlight, with a carbon-rich surface. Ranked close to hydrostatic equilibrium, meaning it is nearly round enough to qualify as a dwarf planet. Named after the Greek goddess of health. Takes 5.5 years to orbit the Sun.