Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 April 2016
Requirements and problems in establishing an absolute solar spectrum, which could serve equally well all concerned sciences (e.g. solar physics, atmospheric physics, astrophysics) as a qualified reference, are illustrated by means of a high resolution spectral atlas with absolute intensity and irradiance scales. Also the organizational aspects are pointed out: the desire for one worldwide reference spectrum involves its recommendation by a competent team of scientists and the agreement of the relevant, official organizations.