The Problems with Vega

The problems associated with maintaining Vega as the primary spectrophotometric standard are reviewed. These difficulties include the possible photometric variability of Vega, its status as a rapid rotator seen pole-on, which complicates the use of models to extend the optical calibration into the infrared and ultraviolet, and the presence of significant infrared excesses from the K-band longward due to Vega's debris disk. These problems are significant enough that the astronomical community should consider finding another fundamental calibrator.