The MIRI instrument is malfunctioning. There is a problem with one of the mechanisms in the MRS mode. The observatory is healthy but the team decided to stop observing until they find a solution.
One of the most important instruments on board is the Mid-Infrared instrument. The wavelength range is from 5 to 27 micrometers. There are 4 modes of the instrument.
The team detected a problem with a grating wheel during their preparation for the observations. It can be used to pick between short, medium and longer wavelength. The issue was caused by the telescope detecting increasedfriction in the mechanism during the setup process.
There is an inside view of the instrument.
The best path forward was assessed by the anomalies review board on September 6. Observations in the MRS mode were paused until an adequate solution could be found. There are three remaining modes of MIri. The other instruments are unaffected.
It is not the first time that JAMES WEBB has had issues. One of the mirror segments was hit by a larger-than- expected micrometeoloid. The team was able to detect some damage, but the quality of observations is still better than expected.
This situation was covered in this episode.
New images are expected despite the current issues. The recent releases of the Tarantula Nebula won't be the last. The observatory can use more than one mode. There are a lot of things that James has observed but has not released to the public. The pictures of the TRAPPIST-1 system were taken during the first month of scientific operation.
The team will hopefully be able to find a solution to the problem and get the telescope back to normal.
The source is NASA.
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