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The orbit of Triton is what's known as a retrograde orbit. This means that the moon orbits in the complete opposite direction of the planet's rotation. Triton is the only large moon discovered in our solar system so far that does this.

Scientists and astronomers are not sure why this happens.

One theory is that the moon condensed this way from original material in the early solar system.

Another theory, and the most widely accepted theory, is that Triton was not originally a moon of Neptune, that it was formed elsewhere and was captured by Neptune's gravity. As a matter of fact, the surface features of Triton and the size of Triton are very similar to the dwarf planet Pluto. From time to time, Pluto does cross Neptune's path of orbit, so it is very likely that Triton was either a dwarf planet itself or a moon of Pluto before Neptune's gravity forced it to switch orbits.

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Related Questions

What planet has a moon that exhibits retrograde motion?

Neptune has a moon named Triton that exhibits retrograde motion. Retrograde motion is when a moon orbits its planet in the opposite direction of the planet's rotation.


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.


What is Triton orbital period?

Triton, the largest moon of Neptune, has an orbital period of about 5.9 Earth days. It orbits Neptune in a retrograde direction, meaning it moves in the opposite direction of the planet's rotation. This unique orbital motion is thought to be the result of Triton being a captured object from the Kuiper Belt.


The apparent westward movement of a planet is known as?

The apparent westward movement of a planet is known as retrograde motion. This phenomenon occurs when a superior planet passes Earth in its orbit, making it appear to move backward in the sky relative to the stars.


Does Neptune prograde or retrograde?

It Is Prograde Because The Moon Triton Is Retrograde According to scientist Triton was captured and rotates is a opposite Direction as Neptune


What moon revolves around its planet in retrograde orbit?

Triton, the largest moon of Neptune, is the only large moon that orbits its planet in a retrograde motion. That is to say that its orbital direction is in the opposite direction to the planets rotation. Triton is thought to have been an object 'captured' from the Kuiper belt.


What moon revolves around its planet in a retrograde orbit?

Titan is not one of them, but there are several moons that revolve in retrograde orbits.The most well-known is probably Triton, the largest moon of Neptune.Triton is the only large moon in the solar system to have retrograde motion.


What planet has a moon with a retrograde revolution?

Neptune. The moon is called Triton.


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.


What moon has a retrograde orbit?

Neptune's moon Triton has a retrograde orbit, meaning it orbits in the opposite direction to the planet's rotation. This is unique among the major moons in our solar system.


Was retrograde motion a theory?

Retrograde motion describes something by definition. It is not and has never been a theory.


Why is the moon Triton on neptune famous?

Triton is the only known large natural satellite to orbit its planet in retrograde (backwards).