Thread by @SpaceTelescope

We have the right tools for the job! @NASAWebb has four instruments that will examine the universe in different ways, thanks to the six components that make up the devices. (1/8)
#WebbInstruments #UnfoldTheUniverse

Cameras: Three Webb instruments have cameras 📷 that will capture two-dimensional images of regions in space. NIRCam and NIRISS will capture images in the near-infrared, while MIRI will capture mid-infrared images. (2/8)

Spectrographs: All four of Webb’s instruments have spectrographs that spread light out into a rainbow-like spectrum 🌈 so the brightness of each individual wavelength can be measured. Webb has different types of spectrographs, each designed for a slightly different purpose. (3/8)

Coronagraphs: There will be two opaque disks used to block the bright light of stars to detect the much fainter light of planets and debris disks orbiting the star. NIRCam and MIRI have coronagraphs. (4/8)

Webb’s microshutter array: Only on NIRSpec, this grid of 248,000 tiny doors can be opened and closed to transmit or block light to capture spectra of 100 individual objects or points in space at the same time (known as multi-object spectroscopy). (5/8)

An integral field unit (IFU): A combination of a camera and a spectrograph used to capture and map spectra 🌈 (light!). The IFU creates a spectrum for each pixel of the image the telescope is capturing, providing scientists with valuable data. NIRSpec and MIRI have IFUs. (6/8)

Aperture mask: A metal plate with seven hexagonal holes that is placed in front of the detectors. This can help separate light of bright objects (like stars 🌟) that are close together in space or on the sky. NIRISS is the only instrument with this component. (7/8)

These six components make up #NASAWebb’s four instruments that will allow the telescope to see the previously UNSEEN: bit.ly/2X3m7x2 (8/8)
#WebbInstruments #UnfoldTheUniverse