The Triton

Triton is one of Neptune's moons and the largest in its orbit. It’s unique because it orbits Neptune in a counterclockwise direction, opposite to most moons, and has a very cold, icy surface composed mainly of frozen nitrogen and methane. Triton has a thin atmosphere, geysers that shoot nitrogen ice, and a rocky core. Its surface features include volcanic activity and cryovolcanoes, indicating it’s geologically active. The moon’s retrograde orbit suggests it was likely captured by Neptune’s gravity rather than forming alongside the planet, making it a fascinating object for studying planetary capture and natural satellite evolution.