Voyager 2 image of Naiad.

NAIAD - MOON OF NEPTUNE

The Naiads were a type of nymph who lived in and around springs, streams, and fountains. Naiad, the last satellite of Neptune's moons to be discovered, was found in 1989 in Voyager 2 images.

Orbit

Naiad orbits at a distance of 48,200 kilometres and is Neptune's innermost satellite, taking just over 7 hours to complete one orbit. Naiad travels in the same direction as Neptune's rotation. It travels on a nearly level plane (inclination 4.74o) and has a circular orbit (zero eccentricity). The inclination of Naiad's orbit may indicate that it was once in a resonance situation with Despina, but has escaped.

The orbits of Neptune's inner moons.

Physical properties

Naiad is Neptune's smallest moon, just 60 kilometres across. The size is estimated by assuming that Naiad's albedo is the same as the other small moons of Neptune, and using its observed brightness to deduce its area, and hence its dimensions.

Interior

The interior and composition of Naiad is unknown.

Magnetic field

No magnetic field has been detected.No magnetic field has been detected.

Atmosphere

No atmosphere has been detected.

Surface

Little is known about the surface of Naiad, except that it is dark (albedo 0.06).