Nereid

Nereid

Nereid was discovered by astronomer Gerard Kuiper in 1949 using the McDonald Observatory's telescope. Named after the sea nymphs of Greek mythology, Nereid orbits Neptune in a highly eccentric and inclined trajectory, distinguishing it from Neptune's other moons. With an estimated diameter of approximately 340 kilometers, Nereid presents an elongated shape, although specific details about its dimensions remain uncertain due to its considerable distance from Earth. Notably, it boasts one of the most eccentric orbits among known natural satellites in the solar system. This unusual orbit, believed to be influenced by past gravitational interactions, adds to the intrigue surrounding Nereid.