This is an image of Triton.
Click on image for full size
NASA

Triton Composition

Composition is generally determined by detailed measurements of the spectra of an object. Spectral measurements of the surface of Triton reveal the presence not only of ice but of several different kinds of snow (crushed ice).

The interior composition can only be guessed. Voyager 2 did not pass very close to Triton, therefore the density, from which a general idea of composition can be made, cannot be determined. A good guess is that Triton is made of ice throughout it's interior, except for a small core of rocky material. There may be a small layer of water inside Triton, however. This depends on how much of Triton is rocky and could help warm Triton. A small layer of water could provide an environment for life. Only more exploration will help us know for sure if these things are possible.

The fact that this moon is made primarily of ice suggests a certain path for it's evolution.


Last modified April 22, 2009 by Randy Russell.

You might also be interested in:

Ready, Set, SCIENCE!: Putting Research to Work in K-8 Science Classrooms

What types of instructional experiences help K-8 students learn science with understanding? What do science educators teachers, teacher leaders, science specialists, professional development staff, curriculum designers, school administrators need to know to create and support such experiences?...more

Spectra

Minerals of a planet's surface, and molecules of an atmosphere emit light of various wavelengths. The wavelengths of light which minerals or molecules emit is characteristic of each individual mineral...more

Triton Interior

The diagram to the left shows a cutaway of the possible interior structure of Triton. The composition of Triton is mostly ice, therefore there is probably a small core of some rocky material buried inside,...more

Life on Triton?

Triton is a little bit like Jupiter's moon Europa, and a little bit like Saturn's moon Titan. There is a very thin atmosphere which is a bit like Titan's. It is very cold, about -300 degrees. Like the...more

Triton

Triton was discovered by W. Lassell in 1846. Of the 8 moons, it is the 2nd farthest from Neptune, with a standoff distance of 354,800 km. Triton may be one of the largest of the icy moons, is comparable...more

Triton Composition

Composition is generally determined by detailed measurements of the spectra of an object. Spectral measurements of the surface of Triton reveal the presence not only of ice but of several different kinds...more

Surface of Triton

This gorgeous image of Triton reveals many interesting features of its surface. The surface of Triton is halfway between that of Ganymede and that of Europa, of the Galilean satellites. There are portions...more

The Poles of Triton

Triton is by far the largest moon of Neptune, and is one of the most unusual large moons in the Solar System. The poles of Triton are especially interesting. Triton has a frozen polar cap with ice geysers....more

Windows to the Universe, a project of the National Earth Science Teachers Association, is sponsored in part is sponsored in part through grants from federal agencies (NASA and NOAA), and partnerships with affiliated organizations, including the American Geophysical Union, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Earth System Information Partnership, the American Meteorological Society, the National Center for Science Education, and TERC. The American Geophysical Union and the American Geosciences Institute are Windows to the Universe Founding Partners. NESTA welcomes new Institutional Affiliates in support of our ongoing programs, as well as collaborations on new projects. Contact NESTA for more information. NASA ESIP NCSE HHMI AGU AGI AMS NOAA