Today we will begin taking a look at the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) which is one of the four observing elements of the Integrated Science Instrument Module.
The MIRI is being built through a collaboration of scientist from the NASA, the ESA and the University of Arizona.
What is the MIRI?
The MIRI is a spectrograph and camera designed to operate within a range of 5 to 28.5 microns. This is the upper bound for what the JWST will be capable of observing. In order to accurately collect measurements of these wavelengths is is necessary to keep the MIRI at a temperature as close to absolute zero as possible. In Fact, the MIRI cooler is designed to regulate its temperature at precisely 6.7 degrees Kelvin!
Here is a visual with the major components:
Feel free to visit http://ircamera.as.arizona.edu/MIRI/instrument.htm or ask me for more details! The site includes images components of the MIRI's imager and specrometer.
What Will the MIRI be Imaging?
The JWST will allow us to view distant objects which have redshirted beyond what we currently can observe. By observing more distant galaxies, we we be looking farther back we can look into the beginning of the universe and the formation of galaxies. We will be able to learn about the early universe with direct images of the following:
- Dust clouds from the early universe.
- The process responsible for star formation
- Protoplanetary disk
- Young exoplanets
Next time, we will be taking a look at the MIRI’s imaging modes and some of its simulated data!
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Work Cited:
[1]https://jwst.stsci.edu/files/live/sites/jwst/files/home/instrumentation/technical%20documents/jwst-pocket-guide.pdf
[2] http://ircamera.as.arizona.edu/MIRI/instrument.htm