JWST Predictions for $z > 10$ Galaxies from the Renaissance Simulations -- I: Photometry and Sizes

Abstract

JWST has enabled new high redshift observations with 14 spectroscopically confirmed galaxies at $z > 10$ to date, leading to a need for high redshift, high resolution simulations to interpret these observations. We present the physical properties and mock observations of the galaxies in the Renaissance Simulations to add to the growing database of high redshift simulation data to guide and interpret observations. We find that they provide an accurate representation of the formation history of JWST's $z > 10$ discoveries and follow the trends observed in JWST galaxies but extended to lower masses. The stellar masses of the Renaissance galaxies range from $\approx 10^{3}$ to $10^8 M_{\odot}$ and overlap well with the $z > 10$ JWST galaxies with a stellar mass range of about $10^{7}$ to $10^9 M_{\odot}$. The simulated SFRs increase from $10^{-4}$ to $10^1 M_{\odot}yr^{-1}$, overlapping the JWST galaxies' lower SFRs in the range $1 - 20 M_{\odot}yr^{-1}$. These compact galaxies show minimal morphology change as their stellar masses increase with the majority of the half light radii between $1$ and $10$ pc and the majority of the half stellar mass radii around $0.1$ kpc; their Sersic indices vary between $0$ and $4$. The Renaissance galaxies are bluer and generally transition well into the absolute UV magnitudes of the JWST galaxies in the main sequence of galaxies. Overall, our simulations agree well with JWST's discoveries to date, making them a valuable tool in the continued effort to understand the high redshift Universe.