OBSERVATIONS OF METHANOL MASERS AT 95 GHZ

The Metsahovi 13.7-m radio telescope was used to search for emission i n the 95 GHz 8(0) - 7(1)A(+) transition of methanol towards a number o f star-forming regions. Eleven known 44 GHz (7(0) - 6(1)A(+) transitio n) methanol masers were observed; 95 GHz emission was found towards ni ne sources, five of which are new detections. For two sources, S 140 a nd R 146, only upper limits were obtained. Most likely the 95 GHz Line is masing in all cases with detected emission, except for W51 e1/e2 t oward which a broad thermal emission line is observed. The integrated flux density is higher at 95 GHz than at 44 GHz, It is suggested that the 95 GHz methanol masers are as widespread as the 44 GHz masers.