Program: GN-2020B-Q-402

Spectroscopic observations of stars with Sun-like spectra are necessary to calibrate those of minor planets. Normally Solar twins and analogs are ideal in this role, but unfortunately faint (V>9) examples of these stars are few and far between. While observations of very faint minor planets (V~23) are technically possible with current 8-10 m facilities and instruments operating at low wavelength resolution, the same setups are impossible to use for observation of the required Solar calibrators because those that are known are typically too bright, and threaten to saturate even the shortest exposures. The proposed poor weather observations constitute the first large scale search for Solar calibrator stars with V>9. Identification of these stars will not only increase the practicality of observing faint minor planets with current facilities, they will allow their spectra at near-UV wavelengths to be more precisely calibrated. As telescopes increase in scale and sensitivity it becomes possible to observe ever smaller and more distant planetary objects. In order for planetary spectroscopists to make the most of the improvements in observatory technology, however, knowledge and characterisation of faint Solar calibrator stars is essential.