Obtaining Transit Spectrum for Celestial Bodies Using JWST NIRSPEC

In summary, the paper discusses the methodology for obtaining transit spectra of celestial bodies using the James Webb Space Telescope's (JWST) Near Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSPEC). It outlines the process of observing exoplanets during transits, where the light from their host stars passes through the planets' atmospheres. This interaction allows for the analysis of chemical compositions and atmospheric conditions. The study also emphasizes the importance of precise calibration and data reduction techniques to enhance the quality of the spectra obtained, ultimately contributing to our understanding of planetary atmospheres and their potential habitability.
  • #1
starryexplorer
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TL;DR Summary
Seeking help with obtaining transit spectra for Ceres, Enceladus, Ganymede, Io, and Titan. Struggling with Github package usage. Any advice or alternative methods appreciated. Excited to compare with Earth's spectrum.
I've recently been tasked with obtaining transit spectrum data for some fascinating celestial bodies, including Ceres, Enceladus, Ganymede, Io, and Titan. The goal is to compare their transit spectra with that of Earth. However, I'm facing a bit of a challenge when it comes to using the Github package here: https://github.com/nespinoza/transitspectroscopy

To provide some context, I've received instructions to utilize the Github package to gather the transit spectrum data. However, I'm not very familiar with how to effectively use it for this purpose. Despite my best efforts, I haven't been able to navigate the package successfully to retrieve the transit spectrum data that I need.

If any of you have experience with the Github package or if you know of alternative methods to obtain transit spectrum data for these celestial bodies, I would greatly appreciate your guidance. Perhaps you can share some step-by-step instructions or valuable resources that could help me get started.

Moreover, if there are any other tools or platforms that you've found helpful for collecting transit spectrum data, I'd be open to exploring those options as well.

If it would help, here are the links to the files of the celestial objects that I'm supposed to compare their transit spectra against Earth's:
Io, Ceres, Titan, Enceladus, Ganymede1, Ganymede2
 
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  • #2
starryexplorer said:
TL;DR Summary: Seeking help with obtaining transit spectra for Ceres, Enceladus, Ganymede, Io, and Titan. Struggling with Github package usage. Any advice or alternative methods appreciated. Excited to compare with Earth's spectrum.

I've recently been tasked with obtaining transit spectrum data for some fascinating celestial bodies, including Ceres, Enceladus, Ganymede, Io, and Titan. The goal is to compare their transit spectra with that of Earth. However, I'm facing a bit of a challenge when it comes to using the Github package here: https://github.com/nespinoza/transitspectroscopy

To provide some context, I've received instructions to utilize the Github package to gather the transit spectrum data. However, I'm not very familiar with how to effectively use it for this purpose. Despite my best efforts, I haven't been able to navigate the package successfully to retrieve the transit spectrum data that I need.

If any of you have experience with the Github package or if you know of alternative methods to obtain transit spectrum data for these celestial bodies, I would greatly appreciate your guidance. Perhaps you can share some step-by-step instructions or valuable resources that could help me get started.

Moreover, if there are any other tools or platforms that you've found helpful for collecting transit spectrum data, I'd be open to exploring those options as well.

If it would help, here are the links to the files of the celestial objects that I'm supposed to compare their transit spectra against Earth's:
Io, Ceres, Titan, Enceladus, Ganymede1, Ganymede2
A few of the guys have discussed this, I found this link

https://www.physicsforums.com/threa...tices-for-merging-branches-in-my-repo.995025/

Also @Andy Resnick may have a pointer?
 
  • #3
I don't, sorry.... good luck!
 
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Likes pinball1970
  • #4
@Devin-M has posted on Webb from what looked like a data site. Can you help?
 

FAQ: Obtaining Transit Spectrum for Celestial Bodies Using JWST NIRSPEC

What is the significance of obtaining a transit spectrum for celestial bodies?

Obtaining a transit spectrum is significant because it allows scientists to analyze the atmosphere of celestial bodies, such as exoplanets. By studying the light that passes through or is absorbed by an exoplanet's atmosphere during a transit, researchers can identify the chemical composition, temperature, and other atmospheric properties. This information is crucial for understanding the planet's potential habitability and its formation and evolution.

How does JWST NIRSPEC help in obtaining a transit spectrum?

JWST NIRSPEC (Near Infrared Spectrograph) is designed to observe in the near-infrared spectrum, which is particularly useful for studying the atmospheres of exoplanets. NIRSPEC can capture high-resolution spectra, allowing for the detection of molecular signatures such as water vapor, methane, carbon dioxide, and other compounds. Its sensitivity and resolution make it an ideal instrument for analyzing the faint signals from exoplanet atmospheres during a transit.

What are the steps involved in obtaining a transit spectrum using JWST NIRSPEC?

The process involves several steps: First, the JWST must be pointed at the target star system and the specific exoplanet of interest. As the exoplanet transits its host star, NIRSPEC will capture the light that filters through the planet's atmosphere. This light is then dispersed into a spectrum, which is analyzed to identify absorption features corresponding to different molecules. Data reduction and analysis techniques are applied to extract and interpret the transit spectrum from the raw observational data.

What challenges are associated with obtaining transit spectra using JWST NIRSPEC?

Some challenges include the need for precise timing to capture the transit event, the faintness of the signal compared to the host star's brightness, and the potential for interference from other sources of light or cosmic phenomena. Additionally, data reduction and analysis require sophisticated algorithms to accurately distinguish the exoplanet's atmospheric signal from noise and other artifacts. Calibration of the instrument and careful planning of observations are essential to mitigate these challenges.

What kind of celestial bodies can be studied using transit spectroscopy with JWST NIRSPEC?

Transit spectroscopy with JWST NIRSPEC can be used to study a wide range of celestial bodies, primarily focusing on exoplanets. This includes rocky Earth-like planets, gas giants, and ice giants in various orbital configurations. The technique can also be applied to study the atmospheres of moons, brown dwarfs, and even comets or asteroids if they pass in front of a star. The versatility of NIRSPEC allows for the exploration of diverse types of celestial bodies and their atmospheric properties.

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