A FIR-Survey of TNOs and Related Bodies

TL;DR

This paper discusses the potential of a future far-infrared space telescope to survey and analyze the population of Trans Neptunian Objects and similar bodies at large distances, providing new insights into their characteristics.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of using a FIR survey mission like CALISTO to explore TNOs and related bodies in unprecedented detail.

Findings

Potential to detect smaller TNOs at greater distances

Enhanced understanding of TNO population distribution

First comprehensive FIR survey of TNOs

Abstract

The small solar-system bodies that reside between 30 and 50 AU are often referred to as the Trans Neptunian Objects, or TNOs. A far-infrared (FIR) mission with survey capabilities, like the prospective Cryogenic Aperture Large Infrared Space Telescope Observatory (CALISTO; Goldsmith et al. 2008), offers the potential for the first time of really probing the population of TNOs, and related populations, down to moderates sizes, and out to distances exceeding 100 AU from the Sun.