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Triton orbits Neptune
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- Triton orbits Neptune in a retrograde orbit —revolving in the opposite direction to the parent planet's rotation—the only large moon in the Solar System to do so. Triton is thought to have once been a dwarf planet from the Kuiper belt, captured into Neptune's orbit by the latter's gravity.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triton_(moon)
Triton orbits Neptune in a retrograde orbit—revolving in the opposite direction to the parent planet's rotation—the only large moon in the Solar System to do so. [3] [13] Triton is thought to have once been a dwarf planet from the Kuiper belt, captured into Neptune's orbit by the latter's gravity. [14]
- Discovery
- Overview
- How Triton Got Its Name
Triton was discovered on Oct. 10, 1846 by British astronomer William Lassell, just 17 days after Neptune itself was discovered.
Triton is the largest of Neptune's 13 moons. It is unusual because it is the only large moon in our solar system that orbits in the opposite direction of its planet's rotation―a retrograde orbit. Scientists think Triton is a Kuiper Belt Object captured by Neptune's gravity millions of years ago. It shares many similarities with Pluto, the best know...
Triton is named after the son of Poseidon (the Greek god comparable to the Roman Neptune). Until the discovery of the second moon Nereid in 1949, Triton was commonly known as simply "the satellite of Neptune."
Triton is the largest of Neptune's 13 moons. It is unusual because it is the only large moon in our solar system that orbits in the opposite direction of its planet's rotation―a retrograde orbit.
Oct 4, 2024 · Triton is unique among the large moons of the solar system in that it moves in a retrograde orbit —i.e., one that is opposite the direction of Neptune’s rotation. Its mean orbital distance is about 354,800 km (220,500 miles) from the planet.
NameMean Distance From Centre Of Neptune ...Orbital Period (sidereal Period; Earth ...Inclination Of Orbit To Planet's Equator ...Naiad48,2240.2945.0733Thalassa50,0740.3110.1371Despina52,5260.3350.0583Galatea61,9530.4290.0231Triton orbits Neptune in retrograde — that is, opposite to the direction of Neptune’s rotation on its axis. This may imply that Triton was captured by Neptune’s gravity into its inclined orbit. Triton rotates once on its axis as it orbits the planet.
Jul 31, 2022 · Triton’s orbit is slowly depressing, and one day, this satellite will lose enough energy and will completely “descend” onto Neptune, crashing with the planet. This is because of friction caused by the tidal action between their two masses.
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Triton may have escaped catastrophe when it arrived at Neptune, but it is still facing a grim future: Its retrograde orbit means Neptune’s gravity is slowly pulling it towards the planet. Millions of years from now, gravitational forces will break Triton apart, possibly forming a new Neptunian ring.
