Simulation of old open clusters for UVIT on ASTROSAT

TL;DR

This paper simulates UV observations of old open clusters using UVIT on ASTROSAT, creating CMDs and spatial images to aid in planning and optimizing future UV studies of stellar evolution.

Contribution

It introduces detailed simulations of UV observations of old open clusters with UVIT, identifying optimal filter combinations for studying stellar evolutionary stages.

Findings

Simulated CMDs for three old open clusters using UVIT filters.

Identified filter combinations effective for detecting evolutionary stages.

Provided guidance for future UV observations of old open clusters.

Abstract

Ultra Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) is one of the payloads on the first Indian multi wavelength satellite ASTROSAT expected to be launched by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in the year 2015. We have performed simulations of UV studies of old open clusters for the UVIT. The colour magnitude diagrams (CMDs) and spatial appearances have been created using 10 filters of FUV channel (130 - 180 nm) and NUV channel (200 - 300nm) available for observations on the UVIT, for three old open clusters M67, NGC 188 and NGC 6791. The CMDs are simulated for different filter combinations, and they are used to identify the loci of various evolutionary sequences, white dwarfs, blue stragglers, red giants, sub giants, turn off stars and the main sequence of the clusters. The present work helps in identifying the potential area of study in the case of three old open clusters, by considering the availability of filters and the detection limits of the instrument. We also recommend filter combinations, which can be used to detect and study the above mentioned evolutionary stages. The simulations and the results presented here are essential for the optimal use of the UVIT for studies of old open clusters.