JWebbinar Schedule and Materials

• Upcoming Sessions

  JWebbinar	Content	Dates	Registration
  46 – JWST Science Communication	This JWebbinar will focus on supporting the astronomical community in sharing the incredible science and engineering of JWST with the public. The session will cover science communication fundamentals, such as how to tailor your message to different audiences, and will include a practical exercise component. We will also share a variety of resources and assets, along with an example presentation that can be easily adapted to your needs. The session will be recorded and made available shortly after the event.	March 4, 11 am to 1 pm (US Eastern Time)	No registration required.   Join the webinar Webinar number: 2822 396 3603 Webinar password: bRsZyDPe334

   

• Data Retrieval & Reduction - JWST Pipeline & MAST

  Title	Description
  39 - Pipeline 101 Revisited: An Introduction to the JWST Science Calibration Pipeline   March 5, 2025	This JWebbinar will provide an introduction to the JWST Calibration Pipeline, giving an overview of the pipeline architecture and workflow along with its interaction with calibration reference files. We will walk through some example pipeline notebooks, demonstrate how to configure the pipeline for specific science cases, and discuss where to find answers to common questions. While most of the webinar will be focused on new users, we will touch briefly on a few advanced techniques.
  33 - JWST NIRSpec MOS Data Reduction   June 27, 2024	This webinar will cover NIRSpec MOS (multi-object spectroscopy) data reduction by the JWST pipeline with example notebooks. We will cover recent pipeline updates that deliver improved spectra with default settings. We will also discuss lingering caveats, workarounds, and techniques to reprocess data, including editing the MSA metafile and master background subtraction.
  31 - Pipeline Reprocessing of JWST Imaging Data   February 15 and 16, 2024	This webinar will give an overview of the JWST science calibration pipeline and demonstrate how to process JWST NIRCam and MIRI Imaging observations from uncalibrated images to drizzled mosaics. The webinar will include examples on running the pipeline with custom settings, and also show how to incorporate manual processing to address common imaging issues.
  28 - Pipeline Reprocessing of Integral Field Unit Spectroscopy   December 5 and 6, 2023	This JWebbinar will focus on how to use the current JWST calibration pipeline to reprocess integral field unit (IFU) spectroscopic data from JWST. The JWebbinar will present the default processing of IFU spectroscopic data, followed by what is often done to reprocess the data. This JWebbinar will cover such topics as modifying parameters for a specific step, adding a non-default step, manipulating parameter files, and more.
  25 - MAST: The JWST Data Archive   September 19 and 20, 2023	Investigators who intend to propose for JWST observations in Cycle 3 will benefit from learning about MAST tools to search for existing or anticipated data that may help their research programs, and to discover potential duplications with observations they would like to make. This JWebbinar will include presentations and notebooks for graphical and scripted queries of MAST holdings, and tips for evaluating potential duplications. We will also offer tips and advice for retrieving JWST data, and provide links to documents and other resources for visualizing advanced JWST data products. There will be ample time during the workshop for participant questions and answers.
  18 - JWST Pipeline Refresher   October 11 and 13, 2022	This JWebbinar covers the basics of the JWST calibration pipeline. Two presentations introduce the calibration pipeline and the calibration reference data system (CRDS). The Jupyter Notebooks from JWebbinar 1, 3, and 4 are available on the science platform for the attendees to practice on and ask questions to the experts on the call. These notebooks feature inflight data from the Early Release Observations.
  17 - MAST: Retrieving and Downloading Data   September 20 and 22, 2022	This JWebbinar demonstrates how to search the MAST archive for JWST data. We cover the features of the Portal Interface, customizable programmatic searches through two Jupyter Notebooks, and talk about creating DOIs (as requested by the mission) to promote reproducibility and increase your citation count. We do this in three mini-sessions where you follow along. Each session is followed by dedicated time for Q&A: We start with a brief overview of the Archive itself, then explore the features of the MAST Portal user interface, including basic/advanced search and subscription notifications. Next, we look at two Jupyter Notebooks: one analyzing exoplanet spectra, and the other looking at sources in a crowded field to retrieve the products you need to extract your own spectra.  We close the session by going over DOIs; MAST offers a convenient way to create custom DOIs that permanently link to the raw data you used in your analysis.
  12 - JWST Pipeline 101   December 1, 2021	This JWebbinar is a condensed version of JWebbinars 1, 3, and 4 and covers: Introduction to JWST data products JWST pipeline in imaging mode Introduction to “Ramps to Slopes” Walkthrough Image2 and Image3 JWST pipeline in spectroscopic mode Introduction to the different spectroscopic modes Work through an IFU use case
  4 - Pipeline: Spectroscopic Mode   June 14, 16, and 17, 2021	This JWebbinar covers: Introduction to data products Introduction to Detector1 step Highlights of the different spectroscopic modes Default pipeline run (Spec2 and Spec3) Fixed slit example case IFU example case
  3 - Pipeline: Imaging Mode   May 27, 2021 June 1 and 2, 2021	This JWebbinar covers: Introduction to data products Introduction to imaging pipeline Running the pipeline for imaging (Detector1, Image2, Image3)
  1 - Pipeline Information and Data Products   April 28 and 29, 2021 May 3, 2021 August 18 and 19, 2021	This JWebbinar covers: Introduction to resources (MAST, JWST User Documentation, Read-the-docs) Pipeline stages overview Open and explore JWST pipeline products Working with jwst.datamodels

   

• Data Analysis

  Title	Description
  42 - JWST and the NASA Ames PAH IR Spectroscopic Database   June 4, 2025	The NASA Ames Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Infrared Spectroscopic Database (PAHdb) provides a from-the-ground-up means to analyze and interpret the PAH component in JWST observations. It offers the spectroscopic data (experimental and theoretical) of PAHs, advanced molecular excitation/emission models, ready-to-use software tools, and the comprehensive documentation needed for astrophysical/chemical modeling or for doing direct spectral fitting. This JWebbinar will provide: 1) a demo of the PAHdb website: how to search the database content, utilize its online tools for simple analyses, and download data; 2) how to use the PAHdb Python suite of models and tools to analyze and interpret JWST observations; and 3) how to use the lite version of the Python suite, dubbed pyPAHdb. There will be time for participants to ask questions, discuss PAH-related topics, and provide input on the next steps for PAHdb.
  38 - Photometry with JWST: An Introduction to Photutils and Imviz   February 26, 2025	This JWebbinar will focus on performing photometry on JWST NIRCam images using the Photutils package. Photutils is a Python library that provides commonly-used tools and key functionality for detecting and performing photometry of astronomical sources. We will also explore how to use Imviz to visualize images, load catalogs, and perform quick-look aperture photometry on a few objects.
  34 - Introduction to WebbPSF: Modeling the Inflight PSF for JWST   July 16, 2024	In this JWebbinar, we will cover the basics about simulating Webb’s PSF by using the inflight measurements of the optical performance of the telescope via Optical Path Difference files. Then we will introduce different tools and functions that allow the user to setup their simulations directly from the observations, to understand how the optical performance of the telescope might affect PSFs in science data and, finally, to use WebbPSF simulations to perform basic operations in science observations like PSF subtraction.
  32 - JWST Data Analysis with Jdaviz   May 22, 2024	Introduction to the Jdaviz visualization package. Presenters will provide examples of the latest developed features available in the various configurations (Specviz, Cubeviz, Mosviz, Imviz, and Specviz2d) and will guide attendees through basic and advanced workflows to analyze JWST spectra and images.
  24 - Jdaviz, the Visualization Tool for JWST   February 13 and 14, 2023	Introduction to the Jdaviz visualization package. The presenters will describe the newest features available in the various configurations (Specviz, Cubeviz, Mosviz, Imviz, and Specviz2d) and will guide the attendees through basic and advanced workflows to analyze JWST spectra and images.
  20 - JWST Science Use Cases   November 3 and 4, 2022	This JWebbinar covers:   Understanding the concept of the data analysis example science notebook environment Installing and running the notebooks Using the JWST Data Analysis Visualization Tool (Jdaviz) within a notebook Analyzing real JWST data of different types (i.e., imaging, spectroscopy, and IFU cubes)
  14 - Q3D: Fitting Spectra and Data Cubes of Galaxies and Quasars   April 7 and 8, 2022	Presentation of the q3dfit tools: a Python data analysis package for continuum and emission-line fitting of IFS data cubes of galaxies and quasars. Participants will:   Learn about the inputs and outputs of the tool Run q3dfit on a set of rest-frame optical, near-IR, and mid-IR test data
  9 - JWST Science Use Cases   October 27 and 28, 2021	This JWebbinar covers: Introduction to the JWST Data Analysis Tools notebooks Learn the github workflow: Download a JDAT notebook, prepare the appropriate environment, and start up the notebook Learn about JWST Science Use Cases working through these notebooks Try it on your own science use case and data
  8 - Spectral Analysis for JWST   September 29 and 30, 2021	This JWebbinar covers: Introduction to Specutils IFU spectral extraction Redshift measurement/template fitting with 1D spectra Spectral visualization tools: The Jdaviz package
  2 - Introduction to the JWST Data Analysis Tools   May 12, 13, and 14, 2021	This JWebbinar covers: Introduction to resources (JWST User Documentation, the Jdaviz package, Data analysis notebooks) Introduction to specutils Specviz workflow Mosviz workflow Cubeviz workflow The JWST data analysis notebooks

   

• Observing Methods (TSO, Coronagraph, Solar System)

  Title	Description
  41 - Exoplanet Time-Series Observations with MIRI: From Pixels to Transit/Eclipse Light Curves to Results   May 5, 2025	This JWebbinar — Exoplanet Time-Series Observations with MIRI: From Pixels to Transit/Eclipse Light Curves to Results — will begin with a brief overview of data processing using the JWST pipeline, with a focus on specific tuning and parameter settings that are optimized for handling exoplanet time-series observations (TSOs). We will then learn how to extract light curves from the data, fit those light curves with transit/eclipse models, and handle systematic noise. While the focus will be on MIRI Imaging and LRS Slitless spectroscopy TSOs, the data reduction and analysis methods presented in this webinar are broadly applicable to all TSOs obtained with JWST.
  40 - NIRCam and MIRI Coronagraphy: An Update 3 Years into Operations   April 3, 2025	Nearly 3 years into operations, we will briefly present an update on the performance and capabilities of NIRCam and MIRI coronagraphs. We will review recommended observing strategies and the products provided by the automated calibration pipeline. We will also walk users through spaceKLIP, an STScI-supported JWST high-contrast imaging PSF subtraction and analysis package that also allows you to run and adapt the pipeline to your coronagraphy program.
  37 - Planning Solar System Observations with JWST   September 17, 2024	JWST is capable of observing the majority of solar system objects found beyond the Earth's orbit, such as asteroids, giant planets and their satellites, comets, and trans-Neptunian objects. Solar system targets may present additional challenges when planning observations, such as their apparent rates of motion, proximity to bright sources, or ephemeris uncertainties. This JWebbinar will focus on how to use available tools to determine valid observing windows for solar system targets, estimate signal-to-noise ratios for extended sources in the ETC, as well as create solar system targets, visualize target ephemerides, and specify constraints in APT.
  35 - NIRCam Short-wavelength Grisms: A Primer for TSOs   August 29, 2024	This webinar will cover implementation of time series observations using NIRCam's Dispersed Hartmann Sensor (DHS) grisms in the short-wavelength channel, which are being introduced for JWST Cycle 4. The DHS enables 0.6 to 2.3 µm low resolution spectroscopy simultaneously with the long-wavelength grism (2.4 to 5.0 µm) for NIRCam Grism Time Series Observations. The capability improves the bright limit for such observations, and relies on rather novel new subarray operations. Technical aspects of proposal planning will be highlighted, and a few scientific use cases of relatively bright transiting exoplanets will be presented.
  29 - JWST NIRSpec Time-Series Observations: From Uncalibrated Data to Transit Light Curves using CalWebb   December 14 and 15, 2023	This JWebbinar covers: Introduction to transit spectroscopy with BOTS Download of uncalibrated data from the MAST Step-by-step pipeline processing using the 'Detector1Pipeline' and visualization of intermediate products Spectral and complementary fitting data extraction and production of white light curve
  19 - ERS: Reducing & Analyzing JWST Coronagraphic Data with spaceKLIP   October 28, 2022	In coordination with the JWST Early Release Science team for high contrast observations of exoplanets and exoplanetary systems, we are providing a 2-hour presentation and live demonstration of JWST coronagraphic data reduction and analysis using the open-source spaceKLIP Python package. This JWebbinar draws heavily from our experience of working with true on-sky data, and covers:   Converting raw JWST data cubes to calibrated images Subtraction of the residual stellar PSF Calculating measurements of contrast performance Companion PSF Fitting JWST-specific caveats to all of the above NOTE: This webinar consists of presentations and does not include work on the science platform.
  16 - JWST Time Series Observations: Performance and Caveats   July 15, 2022	This JWebbinar covers: Initial performance assessment of the JWST Time Series Observations (TSO) modes using commissioning observations Tour through the JDox documentation, as well as results on transiting exoplanet observations The performance of the four instruments will be discussed NOTE: This webinar consists of presentations and does not include work on Jupyter notebooks.
  11 - Time-Series Observations   November 30, 2021 December 3, 2021	This JWebbinar covers: Introduction to TSOs with JWST: Instrumental capabilities and peculiarities MIRI, NIRCam, NIRISS, and NIRSpec Calibrating TSO data: How it works and how to engage with the pipeline TSO data analysis: Strategies and what to expect

   

• Instruments/Modes

  Title	Description
  43 - NIRISS SOSS Multistripe Subarrays   August 28, 2025	Beginning in Cycle 5, the NIRISS SOSS instrument will be offering several new “multistripe” subarrays, which offer a greatly improved bright limit compared to the existing standard subarrays, while simultaneously retaining the full SOSS wavelength coverage of 0.6 to 2.7 micron. These subarrays have been designed such that all known exoplanet transit hosts can be observed without saturation. In this JWebbinar we will present:   An introduction to multistripe readout, and its application to the new SOSS subarrays. A breakdown of the relative tradeoffs between the multistripe subarrays and the standard SOSS subarrays. A short walkthrough of the SOSS multistripe in the JWST ETC and APT.
  22 - NIRSpec and MIRI: Lessons Learned from Commissioning   December 7, 2022	Members of the NIRSpec and MIRI instrument teams describe the features and caveats learned during commissioning. This webinar consists of presentations and does not include work on the science platform.
  21 - NIRISS and NIRCam: Lessons Learned from Commissioning   November 30, 2022	Members of the NIRISS and NIRCam instrument teams describe the features and caveats learned during commissioning. This webinar consists of presentations and does not include work on the science platform.
  15 - PDRs4all - Simulate NIRCam Observations of an Extended Source   June 23 and 24, 2022	This JWebbinar covers: Presentation of the ERS PDRs4All (scientific objectives and observing strategy) Simulation of raw NIRCam images with MIRAGE on an extended source (the Orion Bar) from a “mosaic” input image Reduction of NIRCam SW and LW imaging, step by step, using the latest version of the pipeline
  13 - CEERS NIRCam and MIRI Imaging   February 24 and 25, 2022	This JWebbinar covers: Reduction of a single chip of NIRCam SW and LW imaging in 6 broadband filters Reduction of a single MIRI pointing in 5 broadband filters Science cases: detection and analysis of high-redshift galaxies; dust emission from z~1-3 galaxies
  10 - Simulations with MIRAGE and MIRISim   November 15 and 17, 2021	This JWebbinar covers: Introduction to the MIRI simulator MIRISim and practice Introduction to the NIRISS and NIRCam simulator MIRAGE and practice
  7 - NIRSpec MSA   August 3, 4, and 6, 2021	This JWebbinar covers: Introduction to NIRSpec MOS Brief refresher on MOS program updates NIRSpec MOS pipeline processing MOS data analysis using MOSviz
  6 - NIRCam and MIRI Point-Source Imaging   July 12, 13, and 14, 2021	This JWebbinar covers: Introduction to MIRI and NIRCam Imager MIRI Aperture Photometry NIRCam PSF Photometry
  5 - MIRI and NIRSpec IFU   June 28 and 30, 2021 July 1, 2021	This JWebbinar covers: Introduction to MRS and IFU MIRI MRS pipeline processing NIRSpec IFU pipeline processing IFU + MRS data analysis using Cubeviz and specutils

   

• Proposal Preparation

  Title	Description
  45 - What's New in Cycle 5   September 10, 2025	This JWebbinar will cover updates in Cycle 5 to JWST proposal preparation tools and policies of which proposers should be aware. We will discuss updates to the Astronomer’s Proposal Tool (APT), the Exposure Time Calculator (ETC), and the duplicate observation checking tool. We will also discuss key features of the Call for Proposals, including changes in this cycle and reminders of changes from last cycle, and give an overview of the review process including tips for how to write effective proposals.
  44 - Pure Parallel Observations   September 3, 2025	JWST pure parallel observing programs obtain science data in fields of view that are dictated by unrelated prime observations. In this JWebbinar, we will review how pure parallel observations work and how to specify a pure parallel observation in the Astronomer’s Proposal Tool (APT). We will describe the new JWST pure parallel package, which facilitates statistical analysis of JWST pure parallel observing scenarios, based on historical data from previous observing cycles. We will work through a few example observing scenarios. Interested users are encouraged to install the package locally before the session. There will be plenty of time for questions.
  Special JWebbinar - Key Requirements for Submitting a Compliant Cycle 4 Budget Proposal   April 2 and 8. 2025	This JWebbinar will provide you with what you need to know to submit a compliant Cycle 4 budget proposal. The budget proposal process has undergone significant changes for Cycle 4. Join us to learn about preparing a successful budget, allowable and unallowable costs, and how to avoid common pitfalls. A question and answer session will follow. The webinar is open to everyone involved in the budget proposal process including PIs, Co-Is, personnel in Sponsored Research, Budgeting, or P&A Department, etc.
  36 - What’s New in Cycle 4   September 10, 2024	This JWebbinar will cover updates in Cycle 4 to JWST proposal preparation tools and policies of which JWST proposers should be aware. We will discuss updates to the Astronomer’s Proposal Tool (APT), the Exposure Time Calculator (ETC), and the duplicate observation checking tool. We will also cover changes in the Call for Proposals, including the reduction of page limits and revisions to size and science categories.
  30 - MOS Planning with MPT using an Example Science Case   January 23 and 24, 2024	The MSA Planning Tool (MPT) can be used to create NIRSpec multi-object spectroscopy (MOS) observations that achieve desired science goals. Using a real science program as an example the presenter will demonstrate how instrument and observational constraints inform MOS planning strategies in MPT.
  27 - Introduction to the Astronomer's Proposal Tool for JWST for Cycle 3   September 27 and 28, 2023	The presenters will describe how to create a basic APT program and the tools available in APT. Topics included will be the form editor, mosaics, visit planner, timeline and Aladin. Moving targets, pure parallels, and the MSA Planning Tool will not be covered in this JWebbinar.
  26 - Introduction to the JWST Exposure Time Calculator for Cycle 3   September 21 and 22, 2023	This JWebbinar will focus on the Exposure Time Calculator (ETC), one of the possible entry points when constructing a JWST proposal. The ETC provides many options that contemporary calculators do not, which can be both helpful and daunting. The purpose of this JWebbinar is to first walk through ETC usage linearly to obtain results for a straightforward observation of a point source, followed by the inclusion of more advanced ETC features for more complex observations. These advanced features are "modular" in the sense that multiple, or only one, can be used for any given ETC calculation, so the various options will first be presented separately, then combined to represent real use cases.
  23 - PDRs4ALL: Community Telecons in Support of JWST Cycle 2 Proposals   December 1, 6, and 16, 2022	As part of ERS proposal 1288: “Radiative Feedback from Massive Stars as Traced by Multiband Imaging and Spectroscopic Mosaics,” we have obtained NIRCam, NIRSpec, and MIRI imaging of the Orion Bar, a bright, extended object that is a concern for saturation with a large number of strong emission lines and high-contrast regions. These community telecons are meant to provide an overview of the “lessons learned” about the data reduction, calibration and data analysis related to this program.

   

• Forums/Other

  Title	Description
  Special JWebbinar - JSTUC Community Forum 2   October 27, 2025	The JWST Users Committee (JSTUC) will hold their second Community Forum to continue discussions with the JWST user community. The JSTUC’s primary goal is to advise STScI and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center on how to maximize JWST's scientific performance and serve the needs of its users. They encourage the community to ask questions and provide feedback about the entire user experience, including the Cycle 5 Call for Proposals and the proposal review process.
  Special JWebbinar - JSTUC Community Forum 1   September 18, 2025	The JWST Users Committee (JSTUC) is a group of 14 astronomers who advise STScI and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center on how to maximize JWST's scientific performance and best serve the needs of its users. The JSTUC advocates for the tools and support that people need to do great science with JWST, and serves as a communication conduit between current and future JWST users and the teams at STScI and NASA who keep JWST running. In advance of the upcoming Cycle 5 deadline, the JSTUC is hosting a JWebbinar to introduce themselves and encourage feedback and questions from the community about JWST, the Cycle 5 Call for Proposals, and the current user experience.

   

• Frequently Asked Questions

  Q. Which JWebbinars require registration?

  A. Registration is required for the JWebbinars that need a virtual programming environment. This environment is provided so participants do not have to install any software prior to attending the event, and we need to know how many and who will be joining.

  Q. What do I need to set up my computer to use the online material?

  A. If required for a specific JWebbinar, instructions to set up your computer will be sent by the instructors before the event.

  Q. How do I get started with Python?

  A. If you're new to Python a great place to start is the official Python getting started page: https://www.python.org/about/gettingstarted/

  Below are several resources to get you started learning Python, if you are not familiar with Python:

  • https://docs.python.org/tutorial/
  • https://realpython.com/
  • https://docs.python-guide.org/intro/learning/

  Or, if you are familiar with Python or similar programming languages, but not the scientific programming ecosystem in Python:

  • https://learn.astropy.org/
  • https://realpython.com/numpy-tutorial/
  • https://github.com/rougier/numpy-100
  • https://matplotlib.org/stable/gallery/index.html

  Q. How do I use the material on Github?

  A. To use the material on github, you will need to download the notebooks to your local directory. You will then need a Python environment set up that is capable of running Jupyter notebooks. If you are new to Python, you may want to review these instructions for some resources on how to install and learn the basics of Python. Depending on your preferences and system choices, you may find the install instructions there sufficient, but note that many scientists find it easier to use the Anaconda Python distribution and package manager. 

  Each webinar will require a certain set of packages. For detailed instruction, you can refer to the readme files of each JWebbinar branch in the github repository.

  Q. Who should I contact if I have problems downloading or running the material posted after the event?

  A. You can reach out to the JWST Help Desk.