Simulating Hubble XDF observations for the next generation of space telescopes

Abstract

This research created spatially resolved exposure simulations for 4457 galaxies in the eXtreme Deep Field for CASTOR and WFIRST and Euclid bandwidths. This next generation of space based observatories will improve on Hubble and GALEX observations in depth, bandwidth range and survey area. The Cosmological Advanced Survey Telescope for Optical and ultraviolet Research (CASTOR), currently in the design study phase, is a proposed mission in ultraviolet and optical bands. It will cover a large survey field while improving on resolution and sensitivity of its predecessor GALEX. CASTOR observations will be complimentary to NASA's Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) and ESA's Euclid spacecraft. By investigating the information that these simulations provide, insight is gained into the possible performance of the observatories. A noise simulation was developed for CASTOR bandwidths and compared to WFIRST sensitivities in its bandwidths. From a comparison of proposed CASTOR filters it was found that the G, U and UV filters produce the best SNR. A selection of galaxies spanning a range of magnitudes from 22-27 (F140W AB) and range of redshifts from 0.5-2.0 were examined. It was found that for objects approaching redshifts of 2.0 and magnitudes of 27 it will be difficult to do research involving spatially resolved SED fitting with 100 hour observations. While for objects with a redshifts of 0.5-1.5 and magnitudes of 22-24, 100 hour observations provide excellent SNR. Further, similar results will be achieved in 10 hour observations by WFIRST in its IR bandwidths.