# The Case for a Large-Scale Occultation Network

## TL;DR

This paper proposes a large-scale network of small telescopes to monitor stellar occultations, enabling detection of distant solar system objects, improving ephemerides, and studying asteroid populations.

## Contribution

It introduces a detailed design and cost estimate for a 2000-telescope network dedicated to occultation observations of Gaia stars, enhancing solar system studies.

## Key findings

- Potential to detect Planet Nine through tidal gravity measurements
- Improved ephemerides for small solar system bodies
- Enhanced understanding of asteroid size distributions

## Abstract

We discuss the feasibility of and present initial designs and approximate cost estimates for a large ($N\sim2000$) network of small photometric telescopes that is purpose-built to monitor $V \lesssim 15$ Gaia Mission program stars for occultations by minor solar system bodies. The implementation of this network would permit measurement of the solar system's tidal gravity field to high precision, thereby revealing the existence of distant trans-Neptunian objects such as the proposed "Planet Nine." As a detailed example of the network capabilities, we investigate how occultations by Jovian Trojans can be monitored to track the accumulation of gravitational perturbations, thereby constraining the presence of undetected massive solar system bodies. We also show that the tidal influence of Planet Nine can be discerned from that of smaller, nearer objects in the Kuiper belt. Moreover, ephemerides for all small solar system bodies observed in occultation could be significantly improved using this network, thereby improving spacecraft navigation and refining Solar System modeling. Finally, occultation monitoring would generate direct measurements of size distributions for asteroid populations, permitting a better understanding of their origins.