Enhancing Ground-Based Observations of Trans-Neptunian Objects using a Single-Epoch Parallax Measurement from L2

TL;DR

This paper proposes a cost-effective method using near-simultaneous ground- and space-based observations from L2 to determine the orbits of distant trans-Neptunian objects with minimal observations.

Contribution

It introduces a novel single-epoch parallax measurement technique leveraging L2 observatory data to efficiently orbit determination of TNOs.

Findings

Single-epoch observations can determine TNO orbits.

Ground- and space-based observations reduce observation time.

Method is cost-effective compared to traditional strategies.

Abstract

Space-based observatories at the second Sun-Earth Lagrange Point (L2) offer a unique opportunity to efficiently determine the orbits of distant solar system objects by taking advantage of the parallax effect that arises from nearly simultaneous ground- and space-based observations. Given the typical orbit of an observatory about L2, the observational baseline of $\sim1.5\times10^6$ km between L2 and Earth results in an instantaneous parallax of $\sim$10''-100'', even for the most distant of detectable trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) in our solar system. Current ground-based strategies for measuring the orbits of TNOs are very expensive and require multiple years of observations. We show that the direct constraint on the distance to a TNO, afforded by near-simultaneous ground- and space-based observations, allows us to confidently determine orbits with as few as three ground-based observations spanning 24 hr combined with a single observational epoch from an observatory orbiting L2.