Abstract
MIRI (the Mid-Infrared Instrument for the James Webb Space Telescope [JWST]) operates from 5 to 28.5 μm and combines over this range: (1) unprecedented sensitivity levels; (2) subarcsecond angular resolution; (3) freedom from atmospheric interference; (4) the inherent stability of observing in space; and (5) a suite of versatile capabilities including imaging, low- and medium-resolution spectroscopy (with an integral field unit), and coronagraphy. We illustrate the potential uses of this unique combination of capabilities with various science examples: (1) imaging exoplanets; (2) transit and eclipse spectroscopy of exoplanets; (3) probing the first stages of star and planet formation, including identifying bioactive molecules; (4) determining star formation rates and mass growth as galaxies are assembled; and (5) characterizing the youngest massive galaxies.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 584-594 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific |
Volume | 127 |
Issue number | 953 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 1 2015 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science