Paper 14145-138
Paper 14145-138
A new window in time: a mid-infrared slit spectroscopy mode for precision time-series astronomy with JWST/MIRI
6 July 2026 • 17:30 - 19:00 CEST | Room B4-M3
Abstract
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) delivers transformative mid-infrared sensitivity for time-series spectroscopy. A new effort is under way to test the performance and scientific potential of the MIRI Low Resolution Spectrometer in fixed-slit mode for time-series observations. Using the slit suppresses the thermal background that currently limits the precision of shallow signals - such as terrestrial exoplanets or faint stars - when using the slitless configuration. A dedicated fixed-slit subarray is also being developed, which could be used to reduce systematics associated with low frame counts in full-array readout mode. Newly acquired full-array calibration data allow direct slit–slitless performance comparisons, identifying regimes where the fixed-slit mode improves the signal-to-noise ratio. This presentation will detail the resulting instrument behavior, key performance gains, and recommended strategies for adopting this new mode once integrated on-board MIRI.
Presenter
Achrene Dyrek
Space Telescope Science Institute (United States)
Achrene Dyrek is a research fellow at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in Baltimore, USA, specializing in exoplanetary science with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Her work focuses on the atmospheric characterization of Mini-Neptunes and Super-Earths, with an emphasis on advancing the performance and observational capabilities of JWST. She is particularly driven to develop innovative observing strategies and instrument modes that enable deeper, more precise studies of these challenging and diverse exoplanet populations.