Observing the Inner Regions of Protoplanetary Disks with JWST

Multi-wavelength observations have painted a detailed picture of the inner regions of protoplanetary disks, characterizing the structure and properties of dust from the sublimation radius to the terrestrial planet zone and the kinematics of gas either accreting onto the star or outflowing from the disk. The excellent sensitivity and angular resolution of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) at near- to mid-infrared wavelengths are poised to revolutionize our understanding of the inner regions of protoplanetary disks. Specifically, JWST will enable detailed characterization of faint and young protoplanetary disks and demographic studies of more distant objects, including disks in the metal-poor Large Magellanic Cloud. In addition, medium resolution spectroscopy (R 3000) using the integral field units will enable mapping molecular and atomic line emission across disks. Indeed, Guaranteed Time Observer (GTO) and Early Release Science (ERS) teams have already submitted observing programs detailing their plans. I will present the JWST capabilities for observing protoplanetary disks using specific GTO and ERS programs to illustrate how observations can be planned.