Observing Near-Earth Objects with the James Webb Space Telescope

Abstract

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has the potential to enhance our understanding of near-Earth objects (NEOs). We present results of investigations into the observability of NEOs given the nominal observing requirements of JWST on elongation (85-135 degrees) and non-sidereal rates ($<$30mas/s). We find that approximately 75% of NEOs can be observed in a given year. However, observers will need to wait for appropriate observing windows. We find that JWST can easily execute photometric observations of meter-sized NEOs which will enhance our understanding of the small NEO population.

This paper is one of a series for a special issue on Solar System observations with JWST in PASP. Accepted 10/02/15. Preprint 22 pages, 4 figures

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Cited by in corpus (8)

• Asteroids and the James Webb Space Telescope
• The James Webb Space Telescopes plan for operations and instrument capabilities for observations in the Solar System
• Terminus: A Versatile Simulator for Space-based Telescopes
• Asteroids seen by JWST-MIRI: Radiometric Size, Distance and Orbit Constraints
• Small Bodies Science with Twinkle
• Observing Outer Planet Satellites (except Titan) with JWST: Science Justification and Observational Requirements
• Remote-sensing Characterisation of Major Solar System Bodies with the Twinkle Space Telescope
• Combined Emerging Capabilities for Near-Earth Objects (NEOs)