Observing Near-Earth Objects with the James Webb Space Telescope. (4th January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thomas, Cristina A.; Abell, Paul; Castillo-Rogez, Julie; Moskovitz, Nicholas; Mueller, Michael; Reddy, Vishnu; Rivkin, Andrew; Ryan, Erin; Stansberry, John
• Is Part Of: Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. Volume 128:Number 959(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-01-04
• Subjects: minor planets, asteroids: general -- telescopes; Astronomy -- Periodicals; Astronomy; Periodicals; Periodicals; 520.5
• DOI: 10.1088/1538-3873/128/959/018002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0004-6280

Abstract

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°) and non-sidereal rates (<30 mas s −1 ). 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 that will enhance our understanding of the small NEO population.