Webb Office Hours Session 46: February 26, 2026
Q&A's:
Q1: I have NIRSpec Fixed Slit data. I downloaded Stage 2 & 3 data products and they seem okay, but I would like to make sure and re-reduce the data according to my science needs. This is my first time working with JWST data, where do I start?
A1: If you are familiar with python, a great place to start is to use the curated JWST Pipeline Notebooks. These notebooks are examples for how to run the pipeline for different instruments and modes. You can find out more information about the notebooks on this JDox page: https://jwst-docs.stsci.edu/jwst-science-calibration-pipeline/jwst-pipeline-notebooks
There is a specific notebook for NIRSpec Fixed Slit: https://github.com/spacetelescope/jwst-pipeline-notebooks/tree/main/notebooks/NIRSPEC/FSlit
Reasons to reprocess include turning on optional corrections, including 1/f noise cleaning.
Reach out the Help Desk if you have any problems.
Q2: My NIRSpec Fixed Slit observation is using the 2-pt dithering pattern. How can I be sure this is the right number of dithers to use?
A2: When choosing a dither pattern, you should think about the nature of the source (bright, compact, extended, etc) and the goals of your observation. The optimal number of nods depends on the number of exposures needed. This JDox page has a table and decision tree to help your decision: https://jwst-docs.stsci.edu/jwst-near-infrared-spectrograph/nirspec-observing-strategies/nirspec-dithering-recommended-strategies
You can also reach out to your assigned Instrument Scientists to get recommendations on what you need.
Q3: I am conducting some independent research and would like to use JWST data. How do I find out if JWST has observed a certain source?
A3: You can use the MAST JWST Search Tool: https://mast.stsci.edu/search/ui/#/jwst
Here you can enter the RA and Dec (or name) of your target and see what observations have been completed.
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