A discrepancy was found in the James Webb Space Telescope's MIRI Medium Resolution Spectroscopy mode, with reduced throughput at the longest wavelengths. NASA and partners are investigating the issue and exploring mitigation strategies, while continuing MIRI observations. All 17 observing modes o
undergo routine performance monitoring and calibration. This month, while performing calibration by comparing the brightness of standard stars that have been well-cataloged by other observatories to what Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument was receiving, team members noticed a discrepancy in the data.
Further analysis of MIRI’s Medium Resolution Spectroscopy mode revealed that at the longest wavelengths, the throughput, or the amount of light that is ultimately registered by MIRI’s sensors, has decreased since commissioning last year. No effect has been seen for MIRI imaging, and there is no risk to the instrument. All other observation modes – within MIRI and each of Webb’s other scientific instruments – remain unaffected.
NASA and its partners are developing a systematic plan to approach, analyze, and then explore the issue. The Webb team will continue MIRI observations as planned. The team will gather all relevant ground test and flight data to fully assess MRS performance. Further test observations will be taken to completely characterize the nature of the issue using this particular mode of observation.
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