Synthetic Photometry and the Calibration of the Hubble Space Telescope

Abstract

AbstractThe combined Scientific Instruments (SIs) on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) feature an extensive wavelength coverage in both photometric and spectrophotometric modes with an overall dynamic range of more than twenty-five magnitudes. We demonstrate how synthetic photometry techniques are to be used to establish and maintain their calibration. This approach makes efficient use of limited HST observing time by taking full advantage of pre-launch knowledge on the SI sensitivity functions and calibration targets.