Summary: When trying to build a large set of ground based SpectroPhotometric Standard Stars (SPSS) for calibrating Gaia BP/RP Spectra and G-Band Images to a few % in absolute flux, it is essential to maintain the maximum homogeneity in data quality, acquisition and treatment. This is especially true when data come from different observing sites around the globe and are obtained and treated by different persons. The Observation Protocols and the Data Reduction Protocols are sets of detailed instructions for observers and collaborators that participate in the large effort required. This first Observation Protocol concerns data and calibrations specifically needed to characterize the performances of each telescope and instrument used, through the Instrument Familiarization Plan.

 

Bibtex entry for this abstract:

@UNPUBLISHED{LL:EP-001,
   author = {E.~Pancino and G.~Altavilla and M.~Bellazzini and others},
   title={{P}rotocol for {G}round {B}ased {O}bservations of {S}pectro{P}hotometric {S}tandard {S}tars. {I}. {I}nstrument {F}amiliarization {T}ests},
   institution={Osservatorio di Bologna, Italy},
   year={2008},
   month={July},
   url={http://www.rssd.esa.int/doc_fetch.php?id=2858529},
   note={GAIA-C5-TN-OABO-EP-001},
   type={Technical Note}
}