Computer Science
Scientific paper
May 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006sptz.prop30883b&link_type=abstract
Spitzer Proposal ID #30883
Computer Science
Scientific paper
The past year has seen an explosion in the discoveries of near-Pluto-sized objects in the Kuiper belt. With the discoveries of the methane-covered 2003 UB313 and 2005 FY9, the multiple satellite system of 2003 EL61, and the Pluto-Charon analog system of Orcus and its satellite, it is finally apparent that Pluto is not a unique oddball at the edge of the solar system, but rather one of a family of similarly large objects in the Kuiper belt and beyond. Thermal observations over the past decade have been critical for understanding the interior, surface, and atmosphere of Pluto and of Charon. We propose here a comprehensive series of observations designed to similarly expand our knowledge of the recently discovered Pluto-sized and near-Pluto-sized Kuiper belt objects (KBOs). These observations will measure objects' sizes and densities, explore the surface thermal properties of a Pluto twin, and search for spectral proxies for albedo in the large water-ice covered KBOs. The discovery of these largest and brightest KBOs midway through the Spitzer mission makes these observations particularly urgent. All of these observations would certainly have taken place as the very earliest solar system GTO observations had the objects been know. With the limited window left for Spitzer, thorough study of these largest objects, which will be the subjects of intensive study at all wavelengths for years to come, is critical.
Brown Michael
Reach Bill
Stansberry John
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