Program: GN-2021B-DD-105

We propose to acquire new high-resolution images of the recent major outburst coma of the Centaur 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1 using Gemini-N GMOS with the goal of characterizing its sub-micron sized dust grain coma during the night of either UT Oct. 6, 7, or 8. 29P’s recent outburst is the largest in approximately 40 years, providing a rare opportunity to study the outburst ejecta from such an energetic event. Due to the expanding nature of the ejected material and short timeframes for icy-grain evolution we request rapid turnaround observations. Future observations later in Oct. will lose the opportunity to characterize the newly ejected materials. Additionally, our group has observing time at the IRTF on UT Oct. 7 to acquire NIR spectroscopy of 29P’s outburst coma and has requested DDT at the Arizona Radio Observatory’s Submillimeter Telescope for the dates of Oct. 7. Our requested DDT Gemini-N GMOS imaging will allow constraining 29P’s sub-micron sized dust coma production rate and icy-grain content contemporaneously to a CO-gas production rate measurement derived from the mm-wave observations and a micron-sized grain and larger coma characterization derived from the IRFT SpeX observations. This level of multi-wavelength characterization of a distantly active Centaurs is rare for any target and heretofore never accomplished for such an energetic outburst event. We request 20 minutes of Gemini-N DDT during one of the nights of Oct. 6, 7, or 8 to coordinate with our other programs to complete a multi-wavelength characterization effort of 29P’s outburst coma that will provide constraints to thermophysical modeling efforts to explain activity drivers.