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What is unique about Triton orbit?
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.
Why does Triton have a retrograde orbit?
The Backwards Moon Triton orbits Neptune in what is known as a retrograde orbit. This means that it orbits Neptune a direction opposite the planet’s rotation. It is the only large moon in the Solar System to do this. Others think that Triton may have been formed elsewhere and then captured by Neptune’s gravity.
What is unusual about Triton quizlet?
What is unusual about Triton? It orbits its planet backward. This elliptical orbit, in turn, is a result of the orbital resonance among Io, Europa, and Ganymede.
In what two ways is the orbit of Triton unusual quizlet?
Both have irregular or unusual orbits, with Triton moving in a retrograde orbit (unique for a larger-size moon) and Pluto in a tilted, highly elliptical orbit. Astronomers think that Triton may be a captured moon from the realm of trans-neptunian dwarf planets like Pluto.
Why do astronomers think Miranda has such an unusual surface?
Why do astronomers think Miranda has such an unusual surface? It underwent an episode of tidal heating in the past. Why do astronomers believe Triton may have been a planet that was captured by Neptune? It orbits Neptune in the opposite direction of Neptune’s rotation.
Why is Triton the only moon in the Solar System?
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.
Why does Triton orbit Neptune in a retrograde orbit?
Triton orbits Neptune in what is known as a retrograde orbit. This means that it orbits Neptune a direction opposite the planet’s rotation. It is the only large moon in the Solar System to do this. Astronomers are not quite sure of the reason for this retrograde orbit.
How big is Triton compared to other planets?
Triton also contains more than 99.5% of all the mass that is known to orbit the planet Neptune, and has more mass than all the other known planetary satellites in the solar system that are smaller than it combined.
Why is the Triton tilted towards the Sun?
This is caused by the moon’s high albedo. Very little sunlight is absorbed by the surface. Triton’s axis of rotation is tilted 157 degrees with respect to Neptune’s axis. This causes the moon’s polar and equatorial regions to be alternately pointed towards the Sun.