Triton (moon) | the largest moon of the planet Neptune

Author: Leandro Alegsa Creation date: November 13, 2022

Triton, or Neptune I, is the largest moon of the planet Neptune. It is the seventh-largest moon in the Solar System. Triton is slightly smaller than Earth's Moon. Triton has a complicated geological history: it is thought to have a comparatively young surface compared to the age of the Solar System itself.

It was discovered by the British astronomer William Lassell on 10 October 1846, just 17 days after Neptune itself was discovered by the German astronomer Johann Gottfried Galle and Heinrich Louis d'Arrest.

Triton is believed to be a captured Kuiper Belt object, and is the coldest-known body in the Solar System. The surface temperature of Triton was recorded by Voyager 2 as -235 °C (-391 °F). Triton has its own magnetic field and has a faint trace of an atmosphere.

Questions and Answers

Q: What is Triton?

A: Triton is the largest moon of the planet Neptune and the seventh-largest moon in the Solar System.

Q: When was Triton discovered?

A: Triton was discovered by the British astronomer William Lassell on October 10, 1846, just 17 days after Neptune itself was discovered by the German astronomers Johann Gottfried Galle and Heinrich Louis d'Arrest.

Q: Is Triton believed to be a captured Kuiper Belt object?

A: Yes, it is believed that Triton is a captured Kuiper Belt object.

Q: How cold is the surface temperature of Triton recorded as being?

A: The surface temperature of Triton has been recorded as -235°C (-391°F) by Voyager 2.

Q: Does Triton have its own magnetic field or atmosphere?

A: Yes, it has both its own magnetic field and a faint trace of an atmosphere.