Search for L5 Earth Trojans with DECam.

Area of Science:

• Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Solar System Dynamics
• Near-Earth Object Research

Background:

• Major planets host Trojan populations at L4/L5 Lagrange points.
• Earth has only one known co-orbiting companion, unlike other planets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive search for Earth Trojans using advanced instrumentation.
• To establish stringent upper limits on the population of Earth Trojans, especially at the L5 point.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the DECam instrument on the Blanco Telescope at CTIO for the survey.
• Analyzed observational data to identify potential co-orbiting bodies.

Main Results:

• No additional Earth Trojans were detected despite increased survey coverage.
• Established 90% confidence upper limits for L5 Earth Trojans: N_ET < 1 (H < 15.5), N_ET = 60-85 (H < 19.7), N_ET = 97 (H = 20.4).
• The H=20.4 limit corresponds to Trojans ~300m in size (albedo 0.15).

Conclusions:

• The study significantly improves constraints on L5 Earth Trojan populations.
• Results are consistent with existing L4 Earth Trojan constraints.
• The findings impact our understanding of Solar System formation and dynamics.