The JWST near-infrared spectrograph NIRSpec: status

The Near-Infrared Spectrograph NIRSpec is one of the four instruments of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). NIRSpec will cover the 0.6-5.0 micron range and will be capable of obtaining spectra of more than 100 objects simultaneously in its multi-object spectroscopy (MOS) mode. It also features a set of slits and an aperture for high contrast spectroscopy of individual sources, as well as an integral-field unit (IFU) for 3D spectroscopy. We will first show how these capabilities are linked to the four main JWST scientific themes. We will then give an overview of the NIRpec modes and spectral configurations with an emphasis on the layout of the field of view and of the spectra. Last, we will provide an update on the status of the instrument.

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