Recalibrating the Sensitivities of the STIS First-Order, Medium-Resolution Modes

TL;DR

This paper recalibrates the sensitivities of the STIS first-order, medium-resolution modes using on-orbit data and standard star models, ensuring accurate spectrophotometric measurements for future observations.

Contribution

It provides updated sensitivity calibrations for STIS modes based on new on-orbit observations and standard star models, with detailed procedures and verification methods.

Findings

Updated sensitivity values for STIS modes.

Verification of calibration reference files before activation.

Discussion of uncertainties and future calibration recommendations.

Abstract

The sensitivities of STIS first-order, medium resolution modes were redetermined from on-orbit observations and CALSPEC models (version 11) of the primary white-dwarf spectrophotometric standard stars G191-B2B, GD 71, and GD 153. The sensitivity of an additional configuration was updated by comparing observations of the secondary standard BD +75 325 with the STIS low-resolution spectrum that has been calibrated consistently with the version 11 models. The procedures used to derive the sensitivities and verify the PHOTTAB reference files prior to their activation in CRDS (on May 1, 2025) are described. Results are presented in graphical form in an extensive appendix. Issues and uncertainties are discussed briefly, along with recommendations for future work.