Studies of telluric CO from Mauna Kea using the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope

Abstract

Measurement of the J = 3 → 2 rotational transition of telluric CO is reported for the first time, along with the first quasi-simultaneous measurement of the J = 2 → 1 transition, using the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope at Mauna Kea, Hawaii. The line shape of the observed J = 3 → 2 transition is in good agreement with a modelled line shape calculated using a previously reported altitude-concentration profile of CO and allowing for pressure and Doppler broadening of the spectral line. The usefulness of this telescope for measurements of telluric CO and the scope for future experiments are discussed