Building Better Cosmic Yardsticks: The Gaia FGK Benchmark Stars v3 Spectral Library and Abundance Catalog
Casamiquela et al. present the third version of the Gaia FGK Benchmark Stars, a high-quality catalog of 202 stars with precisely measured chemical abundances. They compiled and standardized spectra from multiple instruments and analyzed 13 elements using four modeling codes. The result is a consistent reference dataset for calibrating stellar surveys, especially valuable for studying the Milky Way’s structure and evolution.
Gaia: A Decade of Mapping the Stars
The Gaia mission has mapped the Milky Way for over a decade, measuring the positions, motions, and properties of billions of stars. Upcoming data releases (DR4 and DR5) will improve precision, expand classifications, and provide time-series data for studying exoplanets and binary stars. The GaiaUnlimited project addresses observational biases, ensuring accurate interpretations. Looking ahead, GaiaNIR could extend these efforts in infrared, revealing hidden regions of the galaxy. Though Gaia's observations have ended, its impact will shape astronomy for years to come.