Paper 14145-22
Paper 14145-22
Breaking the brightness barrier: JWST/NIRCam DHS spectroscopy for high-precision time-series observations
6 July 2026 • 10:50 - 11:10 CEST | Room B4-M3
Abstract
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) offers unprecedented near-infrared sensitivity and stability, enabling time-series observations (TSO) of bright targets. The NIRCam Dispersed Hartmann Sensor (DHS) introduces a new short-wavelength spectroscopic mode, producing up to 8 spatially-separated spectra per source at R~300, and extending coverage down to 1 μm. This new mode will enable spectroscopy of targets as bright as magnitude 3, opening access to high precision studies of bright stars, transiting exoplanets, and any variable high-flux sources. Up-coming calibration efforts will establish flux and wavelength solutions, evaluate saturation and sensitivity limits in combination with the long-wavelength channels (2.4-5 μm), and define optimal procedures for TSO. This presentation will summarize instrument performance, expected calibration results, and guidelines to help the community exploit this new DHS mode for bright-target time-series spectroscopy, once integrated on-board NIRCam.
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.