In our Solar System, Triton is the large retrograde moon that orbits which planet?

Introduction / Context:
The major planets of the Solar System are accompanied by many natural satellites or moons. Some of these moons are especially notable because of their size, orbit, or surface features. Triton is one such famous moon, known for its unusual retrograde orbit and association with the outer Solar System. Questions about which planet a particular moon belongs to are common in general knowledge and space science exams, and Triton is a frequently asked example.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question asks specifically about Triton, a named natural satellite.
- It requires identifying which planet Triton orbits.
- Options include Neptune, Uranus, Saturn, and Venus.
- We assume standard astronomical facts accepted by major space agencies and textbooks.

Concept / Approach:
Triton is the largest moon of Neptune and is unique in several ways: it orbits in a retrograde direction (opposite to Neptune's rotation), likely making it a captured object from the Kuiper Belt, and it has a very cold surface with geysers of nitrogen ice. Uranus and Saturn have their own well known moons, such as Titan for Saturn and Titania and Oberon for Uranus, but Triton is not one of them. Venus is unusual because it has no natural moons at all. Therefore, the only correct match for Triton is Neptune, the outermost major planet in the Solar System.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Triton is associated with the cold outer regions of the Solar System. Step 2: Identify Neptune as the distant blue giant planet whose largest moon is Triton. Step 3: Recognise that Saturn's largest moon is Titan, not Triton, which helps avoid confusion between the similar names. Step 4: Remember that Uranus has moons like Miranda, Ariel, Umbriel, Titania, and Oberon, but not Triton. Step 5: Note that Venus has no natural satellites, making it impossible for Triton to orbit it, and select Neptune as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Astronomy references and diagrams of the Solar System consistently label Triton as Neptune's largest moon. Descriptions highlight its retrograde orbit, possible captured origin, and geyser like activity on its surface. Lists of moons by planet always place Triton under Neptune and never under Saturn or Uranus. Venus is always listed as lacking moons. These multiple independent facts confirm that Triton belongs to Neptune.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Uranus, an ice giant, has several moons, but none named Triton; confusing Triton with Titania is a common mistake.
Saturn, the ringed gas giant, has Titan as its largest moon, which is different from Triton both in spelling and characteristics.
Venus, a rocky inner planet, has no natural satellites, so it cannot have Triton or any other moon orbiting it.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent confusion is between the names Titan (moon of Saturn) and Triton (moon of Neptune) because they sound similar. Another mistake is to think that any large moon might belong to the most famous ringed planet, Saturn, without checking the name carefully. A useful memory trick is: “Neptune's Triton” both contain the letter combination “ne-tr,” helping you link Triton to Neptune instead of to Saturn or Uranus. Remembering that Venus has no moons at all also quickly eliminates one of the options.

Final Answer:
Triton is the large moon of Neptune, the distant blue giant planet.