Final answer:
Some moons in the outer solar system are irregular and have different orbits than regular moons.
Step-by-step explanation:
Roughly a third of the moons in the outer solar system are in direct or regular orbits, revolving about their parent planet in a west-to-east direction and in the plane of the planet's equator. These regular moons are mostly located relatively close to their planet. However, the majority of moons in the outer solar system are irregular moons that orbit in a retrograde (east-to-west) direction or have highly elliptical or inclined orbits. These irregular moons are mostly located relatively far from their planet and were probably formed elsewhere before being captured by their planet through gravitational interactions.
About one-third of the moons in the outer solar system exhibit regular or direct orbits, orbiting their parent planets in a west-to-east direction and aligning with the planet's equatorial plane. Typically, these regular moons are found in closer proximity to their host planet. In contrast, the majority of outer solar system moons are irregular, featuring retrograde orbits (east-to-west), high eccentricities, or inclined paths. These irregular moons are often situated at greater distances from their planets. It is theorized that many irregular moons originated elsewhere and were subsequently captured by their respective planets through gravitational interactions. This capture scenario explains the diverse and irregular orbital characteristics observed among the outer solar system's moons, highlighting the dynamic processes that have shaped the moon populations in this region.