Fluorescence excitation of CO in comets

Abstract

A complete modeling of the CO molecule based on the resonance fluorescence excitation process reveals that the triplet-singlet transitions (Cameron bands) should be observable in comets. It is found that the expected intensities of these bands for comet West 1976 VI are consistent with the observations of Smith et al. (1980). It is thought that the Angstrom bands arising out of the singlet states may also be observable. The expected intensities of vibrational and rotational transitions are briefly discussed. The results of the study are seen as implying that at the present time it is difficult to say anything about the parent molecule of CO. The intensities of vibration transitions are also strong in the 4-micron region, and it is noted that they should be looked for in a less dusty comet to minimize the infrared emission from grains.