Observing Outer Planet Satellites (except Titan) with JWST: Science Justification and Observational Requirements
Laszlo Keszthelyi, Will Grundy, John Stansberry, Anand, Sivaramakrishnan, Deepashri Thatte, Murthy Gudipati, Constantine Tsang,, Alexandra Greenbaum, Chima McGruder
TL;DR
This paper discusses how JWST will enable detailed infrared observations of outer planet satellites, focusing on icy moons and active geologic changes, highlighting its potential for advancing Solar System studies.
Contribution
It provides a scientific justification and outlines observational requirements for using JWST to study outer planet satellites, emphasizing new capabilities for infrared spectroscopy and temporal monitoring.
Findings
JWST can observe icy moons with high spectral resolution.
JWST will enable monitoring of geological activity on satellites.
Observation modes are suitable despite some saturation concerns.
Abstract
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will allow observations with a unique combination of spectral, spatial, and temporal resolution for the study of outer planet satellites within our Solar System. We highlight the infrared spectroscopy of icy moons and temporal changes on geologically active satellites as two particularly valuable avenues of scientific inquiry. While some care must be taken to avoid saturation issues, JWST has observation modes that should provide excellent infrared data for such studies.
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