STUDIES OF TELLURIC CO FROM MAUNA-KEA USING THE MAXWELL,JAMES,CLERK TELESCOPE

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 Maxwe ll Telescope at Mauna Kea, Hawaii. The line shape of the observed J= 3 --> 2 transition is in good agreement with a modelled line shape calc ulated using a previously reported altitude-concentration profile of C O and allowing for pressure and Doppler broadening of the spectral lin e. The usefulness of this telescope for measurements of telluric CO an d the scope for future experiments are discussed.