S23A0047

We propose the second phase of a large survey, the Formation of the Outer Solar System: an Icy Legacy (FOSSIL), of the outer Solar System to discover, track and classify Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs). These populations are the remnants of planet formation and long-term evolution in the Solar System. The size and orbital distributions of TNOs can reveal their collisional history, and dynamical evolution. By increasing the sample size and observational depth of populations under-represented in previous TNO surveys (e.g. CFEPS, OSSOS), FOSSIL will answer fundamental questions about the formation and evolution of the Solar System. Our efficient survey approach, based on significant experience from previous surveys, will leverage Subaru/HSC’s large field of view and sensitivity to survey 25 sq. deg. to mr=25.6 (1-1.5 magnitudes deeper than OSSOS, the largest TNO survey to date). We expect to discover more than 700 new TNOs. All TNOs discovered will be carefully tracked within the semester for orbital classification. The orbital information will ensure the possible follow up observations in the coming year or two. Our request is 4 nights for phase 2 of FOSSIL, see the SJ for information about phase 1.


This document was translated from LATEX by HEVEA.