Spectroscopy 101: Invisible Spectroscopy

Overview of Spectroscopy

• Spectroscopy isn't limited to visible light.
• Invisible spectra include:
  • Gamma rays
  • X-rays
  • Ultraviolet light
  • Infrared light
  • Microwaves
  • Radio waves
• These wavelengths interact with matter and can be converted to visual formats using special tools.

Importance of Invisible Spectra

• Invisible spectra provide information not available from visible spectra.
• Many celestial objects emit spectra in non-visible wavelengths, such as:
  • Hot stars emitting ultraviolet light
  • Planets and dust emitting infrared light
  • Atoms and molecules detectable via ultraviolet or infrared spectra
  • Some phenomena emitting only radio waves
  • Distant galaxies with stretched infrared light

Spectroscopy with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

• JWST is designed primarily for infrared spectroscopy.
• Features four scientific instruments each with spectrographs.
• Capable of revealing detailed infrared spectra.
• Uses a secondary mirror to focus light on the instruments' spectrographs.

Microshutter Array

• Key instrument for capturing detailed spectra.
• Consists of 248,000 microshutters.
• Allows capturing spectra from over 100 objects simultaneously.

Instruments and Their Functions

• NIRSpec: Near-Infrared Spectrograph with microshutter array.
• Captures detailed spectra of many objects at once.
• Webb’s Instruments: Cover near to mid-infrared range (600-28,800 nm).

Applications of Spectroscopy with JWST

• Study solar system bodies, exoplanets, stars, and galaxies.
• Investigate cold molecular clouds, gas, and dust from dying stars.
• Explore galaxies' evolution and star formation.

Additional Insights

• Spectroscopy allows the study of non-visible objects like black holes and dark matter through their effects on visible matter.
• JWST's spectroscopy modes allow various observation types, from wide field views to single object focus.

Learn More

• Explore more about spectroscopy and the JWST through available resources such as images, videos, and interactive content.