Naiad is a moon of Neptune, part of the Solar System in the universe. Neptune is a planet associated with the Sun, our star, and this space encyclopedia describes the moon’s identity and place in its planetary system.

Naiad — A natural satellite of Neptune. Its physical properties and orbital motion are shown from the available catalogue and ephemeris data.

No object-specific chemical/elemental dataset has been verified and imported for this record. This does not mean none is publicly available. Appearance may be imagined; chemistry is not.

Discovery and designation
Naiad was discovered in 1989. JPL credits Voyager Science Team. Its provisional designation is S/1989 N6. The name and discovery entry identify this particular satellite of Neptune; similarly named asteroids are separate objects.

Naiad was the last moon to be discovered during the Voyager 2 flyby in September 1989.

Potato-shaped Naiad is most likely made up of fragments of Neptune's original satellites, which were smashed up by disturbances when the ice giant captured its largest moon, Triton. It is probable that Naiad has not been modified by any internal geological processes since its formation.

Naiad orbits close to Neptune. The small moon circles the planet every seven hours and six minutes in a decaying orbit; Naiad may eventually crash into Neptune's atmosphere or be torn apart and form a planetary ring.

Naiad is named after a type of nymph who presided over fountains, wells, springs, streams, and brooks in Greek mythology. Naiad was originally designated S/1989 N 6.