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| Paper: |
Probing The Solar System's Outermost Frontier: The Future of Kuiper Belt Studies |
| Volume: |
272, The Future of Solar System Exploration, 2003-2013: Community Contributions to the NRC Solar System Exploration Decadal Survey |
| Page: |
337 |
| Authors: |
Grundy, W.M.; Levison, H.F.; Parker, J.W.; Allen, R.L.; Ball, L.C.; Cooper, J.F.; De Sanctis, M.C.; Farnham, T.L.; Gladman, B.; Hahn, J.M.; Hergenrother, C.W.; Kavelaars, J.J.; Kruger, H.; Lien, D.J.; Malhotra, R.; Mastrapa, R.M.E.; Quillen, A.; Srama, R.; Stansberry, J.A.; Strazzulla, G.; Terrile, R.J.; Trujillo, C.A. |
| Abstract: |
Priorities are described for research on trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs), a recently-discovered (thereby excluding Pluto and Charon) population of small, outer solar system objects with important implications for the early history of the solar system. We conclude that we must discover and obtain accurate orbits for an unbiased sample of ∼ 5000 TNOs over the next decade and a significant fraction of these objects must be targeted for more detailed physical observations. A broad range of complementary theoretical and laboratory studies are also needed, and we must work towards direct spacecraft exploration of TNOs as soon as possible. |
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