Spectrophotometric libraries, revised photonic passbands, and zero points for UBVRI, Hipparcos, and tycho photometry

Abstract

We have calculated improved photonic pass bands for the UBVRI, Hipparcos Hp, and Tycho BT and VT standard systems using the extensive spectrophotometric libraries of NGSL and MILES. Using the Hp passband, we adjusted the absolute flux levels of stars in the spectrophotometric libraries so that their synthetic Hp magnitudes matched the precise Hipparcos Catalogue value. Synthetic photometry based on the renormalized fluxes was compared with the standard UBVRI, BT and VT magnitudes, and revised synthetic zero points were determined. The Hipparcos and Tycho photometry system zero points were also compared with the V -magnitude zero points of the SAAO UBVRI system, the homogenized UBV system, and the Walraven VB system. The confusion in the literature concerning broadband magnitudes, fluxes, passbands, and the choice of appropriate mean wavelengths is detailed and discussed in the Appendix.