October 24-28, 2016

Abstract

Observing the Solar System with JWST

H. B. Hammel (AURA)

with S. Milam, L. N. Fletcher, M. S. P. Kelley, L. Keszthelyi, C. Nixon, A. Parker, A. Rivkin, P. Santos Sanz, C. A. Thomas, M. Tiscareno, G. Villanueva

JWST will make significant contributions to planetary science via its infrared capabilities and high sensitivity. The program “Solar System Observations with the James Webb Space Telescope” (written by H. B. Hammel with S. Milam) was selected by NASA more than 14 years ago, and has been recently updated. We discuss a suite of planned observations for this program, designed to yield high science return, and also to exhibit some or all of the following characteristics: innovation; time criticality; unusual demands on the observatory; and/or challenging for standard peer review in a time allocation committee. The targets run the gamut of Solar System objects: asteroids, satellites, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, rings, Uranus, and Neptune. In some cases (KBOs, comets, Centaurs, and Titan), we coordinate with other guaranteed time observers to ensure most efficient use of JWST. All techniques are being considered, even occultations. The programs will be sufficiently narrow in science scope to provide room for many other JWST observational programs from the Solar System community.

Talk