16852

We request 6 orbits of observing time to investigate the aftermath of a 7 magnitude series of outbursts of centaur 29P-Schwassmann-Wachmann using WFC3-UVIS. At 5.5 au from the Sun comma this object is known for its irregular activity. The series of outbursts that started this week (9-27) are the largest on record comma making the object brighter than ever before. The event provides a unique opportunity to study material ejected from below the surface and to investigate what processes drive these large outbursts. The versatility of WFC3 is necessary to search for fragments comma characterize the morphology and amount of the ejected material comma and use narrow and medium band filters to evaluate dust color and content. We request three 2-orbit visits to characterize the ejecta around 29P and to perform a deep search for 100 meter diameter fragments. We will determine the dynamical and color evolution of the ejecta to constrain the kinematics and thus the possible mechanisms of the outbursts. Only HST is capable of capturing the high spatial resolution images necessary to capture faint fragments near the active 29P nucleus to investigate the outbursts and their source.