Constructing a Synthetic Spectrum of Messier 67 to Test the X-Shooter Spectral Library Simple Stellar Population Models

Koopmans, Sjoerd (2024) Constructing a Synthetic Spectrum of Messier 67 to Test the X-Shooter Spectral Library Simple Stellar Population Models. Master's Thesis / Essay, Astronomy.

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Abstract

The X-shooter Spectral Library (XSL) Simple Stellar Population (SSP) models (Verro et al., 2022a) focus on advanced stellar evolutionary stages. To validate these models for unresolved objects, we tested them against the well-characterized open cluster Messier 67 (M67). We created a synthetic spectrum for M67 by interpolating XSL DR3 spectra (Verro et al., 2022b) to the effective temperatures and gravities of M67 stars (Beeson et al., 2024) and summing the individual spectra. Comparing this synthetic spectrum to an XSL SSP model spectrum with similar age and metallicity, we found strong agreement in the 3500-6800 Å range. However, at longer wavelengths, the XSL model showed excess flux resembling an O-rich giant, due to the lack of evolved giants in the M67 Kiel diagram. A model restricted to M67’s temperature and gravity range showed poor agreement, with excess blue light and a red deficit, caused by the isochrone extending to too high temperatures and stochastic variations in evolved giants. We conclude that XSL SSP models effectively recreate spectra of intermediate-age, solar-metallicity populations, but limitations arise from the discrete distribution and low number of faint dwarfs and evolved giants in our M67 sample. Future tests should assess XSL SSP models against different populations, such as older, metal-poor globular clusters or younger open clusters.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master's Thesis / Essay)
Supervisor name:	Trager, S.C.
Degree programme:	Astronomy
Thesis type:	Master's Thesis / Essay
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	10 Sep 2024 08:39
Last Modified:	10 Sep 2024 08:39
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/34211

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