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The largest moon of Neptune, Triton, is believed to be a captured Kuiper Belt object, rather than a satellite that formed along with the planet. The reasons for this are :
- Triton is much larger than the other Neptunian moons
- Triton orbits in a retrograde direction (clockwise, the opposite of Neptune's rotation)
- It appears to have a similar size and composition as the dwarf planet Pluto
Tidal interaction with Neptune's gravity may be heating the interior of Triton. There are signs of subsurface "seas" of liquid methane that might be explored by a "submerged" rather than rolling space probe. A proposal for a similar "floating" probe has been made for Titan, the largest moon of Saturn.
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Which large Jovian moon is thought to have been captured into its present orbit?
The large Jovian moon thought to have been captured into its present orbit is Triton, which orbits Neptune. Triton's retrograde motion and unique characteristics suggest it was once a Kuiper Belt object that was captured by Neptune's gravity.
Which jovian moon was captured into it's present orbit?
The jovian moon that was captured into its present orbit is Triton, which orbits Neptune. It is believed that Triton was originally a Kuiper Belt object that was gravitationally captured by Neptune. This capture likely resulted in Triton's retrograde orbit, which is unusual for a large moon, suggesting a complex history and possibly violent interactions with other celestial bodies.
What is Neptune's biggest moon?
Triton is the largest moon of the planet Neptune and was discovered on October 10, 1846, by English astronomer William Lassell.
What is Neptunes second biggest moon?
Neptune's second-largest moon is Triton. It is the only large moon in the solar system to have a retrograde orbit, meaning it orbits in the opposite direction to Neptune's rotation. Triton is thought to be a captured Kuiper Belt object.
Is the moon captured?
The moons Phobos and Deimos of planet Mars are believed to be captured asteroids because of their closeness to the Asteroid Belt. And Triton, one of Neptune's moons, is also believed to be captured by the Kuper Belt. But if you're asking about the Earth's moon, it's not.
What does the retrograde motion of neptune's moon Triton indicate about its origin?
Because Triton revolves around Neptune opposite its rotational direction it is considered retrograde. This indicates that it was likely a planetoid that was captured by Neptune's gravity rather than having formed in orbit around Neptune.
Triton is a moon of which planet?
Triton is the largest moon of the planet Neptune. It is similar in composition and size to Pluto (even a little larger), so is thought to have been a Kuiper belt object that was 'captured' by Neptune many years ago.Triton is the largest moon of the planet Neptune.Triton orbits Neptune, and is the planet's largest moon.
What plaNet is Triton on?
Triton is a moon of the planet Jupiter.
A planet with a moon called triton?
Triton is the largest moon of Neptune.
Is Triton a moon of Uranus?
Yes, Uranus has a moon called Triton
What word is used to describe the motion of Neptune's biggest moon trion?
The motion of Neptune's biggest moon, Triton, is described as "retrograde." This means that Triton orbits Neptune in the opposite direction to the planet's rotation. This unusual motion suggests that Triton may have been captured by Neptune's gravity rather than forming in place, as most moons do.
How many moons does naptune have?
Neptune has 14 known moons. The largest moon is Triton, which is believed to be a captured Kuiper Belt object.
