Simulated Stellar Clusters with MASSCLEAN: Testing a Stellar Grouping Selection Method
Abstract
An accurate selection method for identifying stellar groupings in nearby galaxies is essential for determining the size scales of stellar clustering in the nearby universe. Simulated clusters of varying age, mass, and size were created using the Massive Cluster Evolution and Analysis Package (MASSCLEAN), SkyMaker, and the Interactive Data Language (IDL) in order to analyze the accuracy of such a selection algorithm. The clusters were modeled using a point spread function (PSF) created with the Tiny Tim software package. We then used the clusters to create an archive of simulated stellar cluster fields with varying numbers of clusters 10-200) and randomly selected positions within the field. Stellar cluster fields were added to Hubble Space Telescope, Wide Field Camera 3, UVIS Channel images of the dwarf irregular galaxy NGC 4214. We examine the completeness and accuracy of the selection algorithm and discuss its limitations in light of these results.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #221
- Pub Date:
- January 2013
- Bibcode:
- 2013AAS...22125008E