JWST Proposal 7700 - 7700 - Critical test of planet formation models

Oct 5, 2026

A supremely deep JWST/NIRCam imaging program targets a single field to measure the size distribution of extremely small cold classical trans-Neptunian objects, down to about 1 km. The campaign integrates New Horizons evidence for Pluto, Charon, and Arrokoth with open theoretical formation-model questions and relies on JWST sensitivity to obtain otherwise unattainable planetesimal-size information. Results will support planetesimal and system-formation models and provide ground-truth comparisons for future protoplanetary-disk observations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages28

Reading Time1 h 11 min

AccessFree to download

Overview

Investigators

Observations

Imaging

Abstract

Observing Description

Proposal Targets

JWST Proposal 7700 (Created: Thursday, May 21, 2026, 8:00:13AM Eastern Standard Time) -Overview 7700-The supremely deep trans-Neptunian object survey: A critical test of planet formation models Cycle: 4, Proposal Category: GO INVESTIGATORS | Name | Institution | | --- | --- | | Dr. David E. Trilling (PI) | Northern Arizona University | | Dr. Gary Bernstein (CoI) (Contact) | University of Pennsylvania | | Dr. John A. Stansberry (CoI) (Contact) | Space Telescope Science Institute | | Dr. Matthew Holman (CoI) | Smithsonian Institution Astrophysical Observatory | | Mr. Bryan Hilbert (CoI) | Space Telescope Science Institute | | Kevin Napier (CoI) | University of Michigan | | Dr. Wesley C Fraser (CoI) (CSA Member) (CoPI) (Contact) | Dominion Astrophysical Observatory | | Ms. Marielle Eduardo (CoI) (CSA Member) | University of Victoria | | Dr. Kelsi Singer (CoI) | Southwest Research Institute | | Ivy Knudsen (CoI) | Southwest Research Institute | OBSERVATIONS Imaging | Folder | Observation | Label | Observing Template | Science Target | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Laser-beam with Eng. Imaging and DHS5 reeadout | | | | | | | 1 | Tiles 1 & 2 Epoch 1 | NIRCam Engineering Imaging | (14) JPB 16+24 FinalPointing SE4 | | | 2 | Tiles 3 & 4 Epoch 1 | NIRCam Engineering Imaging | (14) JPB 16+24 FinalPointing SE4 | | | 3 | Tiles 1 & 2 Epoch 2 | NIRCam Engineering Imaging | (14) JPB 16+24 FinalPointing SE4 | | | 4 | Tiles 3 & 4 Epoch 2 | NIRCam Engineering Imaging | (14) JPB 16+24 FinalPointing SE4 | | | 5 | Tiles 1 & 2 Epoch 3 | NIRCam Engineering Imaging | (14) JPB 16+24 FinalPointing SE4 | | | 6 | Tiles 3 & 4 Epoch 2 | NIRCam Engineering Imaging | (14) JPB 16+24 FinalPointing SE4 | | | 7 | Tiles 1 & 2 Epoch 4 | NIRCam Engineering | (14) JPB_ 16+24_FinalPointing_SE4 | JWST Proposal 7700 (Created: Thursday, May 21, 2026, 8:00:13AM Eastern Standard Time) -Overview | Folder | Observation | Label | Observing Template | Science Target | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | 8 | Tiles 3 & 4 Epoch 4 | NIRCam Engineering Imaging | (14) JPB 16+24 FinalPointing SE4 | | | 9 | Tiles 1 & 2 Epoch 5 | NIRCam Engineering Imaging | (14) JPB 16+24 FinalPointing SE4 | | | 10 | Tiles 3 & 4 Epoch 5 | NIRCam Engineering Imaging | (14) JPB 16+24 FinalPointing SE4 | | | 11 | Tiles 1 & 2 Epoch 6 | NIRCam Engineering Imaging | (14) JPB 16+24 FinalPointing SE4 | | | 12 | Tiles 3 & 4 Epoch 6 | NIRCam Engineering Imaging | (14) JPB_ 16+24_FinalPointing_SE4 | ABSTRACT We propose to execute a supremely deep imaging program of a single NIRCam field to measure the size distribution of extremely small cold classical trans-Neptunian objects—with sizes as small as 1 km—as a deep and detailed probe of the process of planetary system formation. This experiment connects evidence from New Horizons spacecraft data for Pluto, Charon, and Arrokoth with outstanding questions from theoretical models, and can only be carried out with the unmatched sensitivity of JWST. This information on planetesimal sizes will not be obtainable in any exoplanet system within our lifetimes. Our results can be used as input for planetary system formation models, and will provide significant "groundtruth" comparisons for observations of protoplanetary disks made by many observatories. OBSERVING DESCRIPTION This experiment will be carried out with an ultra-deep, 88.3 hour stare (open shutter time) at a single NIRCam pointing. We built 24 identical observations, each of which includes 4 exposures that together total just under 20 ksec (5.6 hours) of clock time; we use a timing requirement to ensure that all of our observations are carried out within a ten day window. Thus, our objects will have orbital arcs of 5–10 days. The total requested clock time is 135.1 hours. Of course, we will work with STScI technical staff to perfect this plan in our Phase II preparation. Proposal 7700-Targets-The supremely deep trans-Neptunian object survey: A critical test of p

FAQs

What is the scientific goal of Proposal 7700?

Measure the size distribution of extremely small cold classical trans-Neptunian objects (down to ~1 km) to critically test planet formation models.

How will the observations be conducted?

Using an ultra-deep 88.3-hour stare at a single NIRCam pointing, built from 24 identical observations with multiple exposures totaling just under 20 ksec each.

How do the investigators plan to use the results?

Provide ground-truth comparisons for protoplanetary disk observations and serve as input for planetary system formation models.

Oct 5, 2026

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