SIMBAD references

For Hipparcos M, S, and C spectral type stars, we provide calibrated instantaneous (epoch) Cousins V-I color indices using newly derived HpV_T2 photometry. Three new sets of ground-based Cousins VI data have been obtained for more than 170 carbon and red M giants. These datasets in combination with the published sources of VI photometry served to obtain the calibration curves linking Hipparcos/Tycho Hp-V_T2 with the Cousins V-I index. In total, 321 carbon stars and 4464 M- and S-type stars have new V-I indices. The standard error of the mean V-I is about 0.1 mag or better down to Hp≃9 although it deteriorates rapidly at fainter magnitudes. These V-I indices can be used to verify the published Hipparcos V-I color indices. Thus, we have identified a handful of new cases where, instead of the real target, a random field star has been observed. A considerable fraction of the DMSA/C and DMSA/V solutions for red stars appear not to be warranted. Most likely such spurious solutions may originate from usage of a heavily biased color in the astrometric processing.