Maximizing Roman’s Discovery Potential for the Faintest Galaxies

PI: Mutlu-Pakdil, Burcin, Dartmouth College
Wide-Field Science – Regular

In this regular Wide Field Science (WFS) proposal, we propose to develop a Roman dwarf galaxy pipeline to prepare for and enhance the science return of Roman, with two main goals: (1) creating a large set of simulated dwarfs to forecast the scientific output of Roman and optimize survey strategies, and (2) delivering an automated Roman dwarf detection algorithm to build a statistically significant sample of the faintest galaxies. Faint dwarf galaxies are unique laboratories for studying the nature of dark matter and galaxy formation. Roman will enable the discovery and characterization of ultra-faint dwarfs well beyond the Local Group, expanding the accessible volume to increase the current sample by more than three orders of magnitude. However, detecting these dwarfs requires specialized image processing and automated detection algorithms. Our proposed program aims to develop this vital infrastructure: we will produce, test, and deliver software tools to (1) simulate dwarf stellar populations in the Roman bands; (2) produce and analyze simulated Roman images containing realistic model dwarfs; (3) comb through Roman data sets to find the faintest dwarf galaxies; (4) quantify Roman dwarf galaxy detection sensitivity and completeness for a given observing plan. The products of our program will benefit the entire community in various ways: e.g., (1) our simulation tools will enable the community to interpret resolved stellar population studies in Local Volume, (2) our automated search algorithms will facilitate more rigorous statistical-inference-based approaches to extracting the properties of galaxy formation and dark matter physics, (3) our simulated catalogs and images could be used for verification and validation of operational data reduction pipelines, as well as for Roman data challenges for the astronomical community.