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WHAT TO SEE
Triton is the only large moon in the solar system that circles its planet in a direction opposite to the planet's rotation (a retrograde orbit). This suggests that it may once have been an independent object that was captured by Neptune.
A snowy world
Triton's surface is so cold that even nitrogen is frozen. The surface is covered with layers of nitrogen and water ice that are scarred by meteor craters. But there are also ridges and valley systems, which suggests there may be a global cycle of melting and freezing.
Triton has a has a very high 'albedo'. This means that it reflects a large percentage of the Sun's light. Because of this, Triton's surface temperature is a freezing -235ºC (or -391ºF). That's as cold as on Pluto.
Nitrogen volcanoes
A thick layer of nitrogen ice covers Triton's surface and insulates the ground underneath.
When sunshine hits it, the temperature under the surface rises. Then the deep layers of ice begin to melt. This can cause pockets of gas to build up. Sometimes these pockets explode, and geysers up to 8km high shower nitrogen snow over the surrounding area.
Triton, Io, Venus and Earth are the only places in the Solar System that definitely still have volcanic activity.
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TRAVEL INFORMATION
Before you leave
Anyone hoping to visit Triton should do so within the next few million years. Its unusual orbit means that it's slowly losing energy and spiralling towards Neptune. Eventually it will either break up (possibly forming a ring), or crash into Neptune.
SPOTTING TRITON FROM THE EARTH
Triton can't be seen from Earth without a powerful telescope.
LOCAL HISTORY
Triton was one of the Greek gods of the sea. He is normally depicted as having the head and trunk of a man, and the tail of a fish. He was the son of Poseidon, the Greek equivalent of the Roman god, Neptune.
Discovery
Triton was discovered by William Lassell in 1846, just a few days after he discovered Neptune.
 Explore the blue world of Neptune
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