HST/JWST Long-Term Monitoring Working Group Final Report

TL;DR

This report outlines strategies and policy recommendations to maximize the scientific return of HST and JWST for long-term time-domain astronomy, emphasizing community input and high-value science programs.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive set of recommendations for policies and programs to enhance long-term time-domain observations with HST and JWST.

Findings

Community input shaped policy recommendations.

Proposed policies to prioritize long-term science programs.

Suggestions for JWST Director's Discretionary Time for high-redshift transients.

Abstract

The Astro2020 Decadal Survey recognizes time-domain astronomy as a key science area over the next decade and beyond. With over 30 years of HST data and the potential for 20 years of JWST operations, these flagship observatories offer an unparalleled prospect for a half-century of space-based observations in the time domain. To take best advantage of this opportunity, STScI charged a working group to solicit community input and formulate strategies to maximize the science return in time-domain astronomy from these two platforms. Here, the HST/JWST Long-Term Monitoring Working Group reports on the input we received and presents our recommendations to enhance the scientific return for time-domain astronomy from HST and JWST. We suggest changes in policies to enable and prioritize long-term science programs of high scientific value. As charged, we also develop recommendations based on community input for a JWST Director's Discretionary Time program to observe high-redshift transients.