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Health & Science6h 17m ago
A new paper by researchers at Caltech posits that Triton, Neptune's largest moon, obliterated the regular moon system it previously had, except for one particular exception – Nereid.
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Neptune system
Who
researchers at Caltech, Gerard Kuiper
What
A new paper by researchers at Caltech posits that Triton, Neptune's largest moon, obliterated the regular moon system it previously had, except for one particular exception – Nereid.
When
Sun, 14 Jun 2026 14:01:46 GMT · 6h 17m ago
Where
Neptune system ·
Why
Triton, a captured Kuiper Belt Object, entered a highly eccentric, backward orbit around Neptune, creating havoc.
The Frontline Impact
How this affects you
This research redefines the origin of Neptune's moon Nereid, suggesting it's an original moon kicked into an unusual orbit by Triton's capture, offering potential insights into the Neptunian system's formation.
Story chain
5 events in this thread- Currently Reading6h 17m agoA new paper by researchers at Caltech posits that Triton, Neptune's largest moon, obliterated the regular moon system it previously had, except for one particular exception – Nereid.
- Health & Science6h 17m agoA new paper by researchers at Caltech posits that Triton, by far Neptune's largest moon, absolutely obliterated the regular moon system it previously had, except for Nereid.Open article
- Health & Science6h 17m agoA new paper by researchers at Caltech posits that Triton, Neptune's largest moon, obliterated the regular moon system it previously had, except for Nereid.Open article
- Health & Science6h 17m agoA new paper by researchers at Caltech posits that Triton, Neptune's largest moon, obliterated the regular moon system it previously had, with Nereid being the sole exception.Open article
- Health & Science6h 17m agoA new paper suggests that Triton, Neptune's largest moon, obliterated the planet's original moon system, with Nereid being a possible sole survivor.Open article