Physical Properties of the Satellites of Neptune

Spectrophotometric studies of Triton suggest a surface covered in part by solid methane. Nitrogen is suspected on the basis of a single spectral band, but this material, if present, must be in a condensed state. Liquid nitrogen covering part of Triton to a depth of a few tens of centimeter can satisfy the spectral data so far available. If condensed nitrogen occurs on Triton, the satellite has an atmosphere largely of N2 (pressure approximately 0.1 bar), with CH4 as a minor constituent. The reddish hue of Triton's surface may result from photochemical derivatives of the methane and nitrogen, as in the case of Titan. The radius of Triton has been determined by indirect means to be 1750 km, but there may be a large systemmatic error in this value. If the mean density is approximately 2-3 g/cubic cm. the mass derived from astrometric observations is in error. There is no information on physical properties of Nereid. A third suspected satellite was not confirmed.