Catalogue of stellar spectra classified in the Morgan-Keenan System

Abstract

The purpose of this catalogue is to provide bibliographic references to spectral classifications of stars in the Morgan-Keenan system published in the literature prior to January 1963. The catalogues include with fey exceptions only objects contained in the Durohmusterungen: HD, SBD, CD and CPD. Objects belonging to stellar clusters and extragalactic nebulae were excluded from the catalogue if they are not listed in the Durchmusterungen. The catalogue was started at La Plata for several statistical research programs, and its purpose was to provide the best spectral classification of each object.lt was found however that often classifiers disagree - a fact which is not surprising in view of the different dispersions and instruments used. Therefore, it was decided to list all the classifications available for all objects, even if in some instances this means to list a large number of papers in the majority of which the classifications were taken from a single source. This is especially valid for the MK standards - however, since even some of these standards have been reclassified by other observers, it was decided to list everything in order to be consistent. If one wants to select the best spectral type for an object for which several classifications are listed, one should consider the following points: a) To use lists published by Morgan, Keenan and their immediate collaborators; b) To use lists established primarily for spectral classification purposes, with dispersions, similar to the ones used for the Atlas; c) To use the latest published spectral type from a given author.