The Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE): Mission Description and Initial On-orbit Performance

TL;DR

WISE is a space telescope that maps the entire sky in infrared wavelengths, providing high-sensitivity, high-resolution data that enhances astronomical research and complements previous sky surveys.

Contribution

This paper describes the WISE mission's design, initial on-orbit performance, and its capabilities in infrared sky surveying, marking a significant advancement over prior surveys.

Findings

Achieved 5 sigma sensitivities better than 0.08-6 mJy across bands.

Provided angular resolutions of 6-12 arc-seconds in infrared bands.

Astrometric precision for bright sources is better than 0.15 arc-seconds.

Abstract

The all sky surveys done by the Palomar Observatory Schmidt, the European Southern Observatory Schmidt, and the United Kingdom Schmidt, the InfraRed Astronomical Satellite and the 2 Micron All Sky Survey have proven to be extremely useful tools for astronomy with value that lasts for decades. The Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer is mapping the whole sky following its launch on 14 December 2009. WISE began surveying the sky on 14 Jan 2010 and completed its first full coverage of the sky on July 17. The survey will continue to cover the sky a second time until the cryogen is exhausted (anticipated in November 2010). WISE is achieving 5 sigma point source sensitivities better than 0.08, 0.11, 1 and 6 mJy in unconfused regions on the ecliptic in bands centered at wavelengths of 3.4, 4.6, 12 and 22 microns. Sensitivity improves toward the ecliptic poles due to denser coverage and lower zodiacal background. The angular resolution is 6.1, 6.4, 6.5 and 12.0 arc-seconds at 3.4, 4.6, 12 and 22 microns, and the astrometric precision for high SNR sources is better than 0.15 arc-seconds.