Triton: The Celestial 'Cantaloupe'

The video explores Triton, Neptune's largest moon, known for its unique cantaloupe terrain. Triton's unusual backward orbit suggests it was captured from the Kuiper Belt. Tidal heating has melted its ice, creating a smooth surface. Cryovolcanoes and potential subsurface oceans are discussed. Future missions like the Triton Hopper aim to explore these features. Triton is spiraling towards Neptune and may eventually crash into it or form a ring.

What makes Triton's orbit around Neptune unique compared to other large moons?

• It has the fastest orbit in the solar system.

• It orbits in the opposite direction of Neptune's rotation.

• It has a perfectly circular orbit.

• It orbits in the same direction as Neptune's rotation.

What phenomenon caused Triton's ice to melt, affecting its surface features?

• Tidal heating

• Meteor impacts

• Solar radiation

• Volcanic eruptions

What is the process called that creates Triton's cantaloupe-like terrain?

• Plate tectonics

• Diapirism

• Erosion

• Cryovolcanism

What is a cryovolcano on Triton known to erupt?

• Lava

• Water

• Nitrogen gas and dust

• Methane

What is the proposed mission concept to explore Triton called?

• Moon Lander

• Triton Hopper

• Neptune Voyager

• Triton Explorer