Detection of the J = 1 to 0 rotational transition of vibrationally excited silicon monoxide

The v = 1,J = 1 to 0 rotational transition of SiO at 43.1 GHz has been detected in the direction of Becklin's star in the Orion Nebula, and in the M-type star W Hya. In Orion two velocity components are observed, one (the stronger) at a radial velocity of 17 km/sec, the other at -7 km/sec; in W Hya a single line is observed at 39 km/sec. In each case a line at the same radial velocity has been observed at 86.2 GHz in the v = 1,J = 2 to 1 transition, so that the presence of vibrationally excited SiO would seem to be confirmed beyond a reasonable doubt. In the v = 1 state, the photon fluxes of the J = 2 to 1 and 1 to 0 transitions are about equal, suggesting saturated masers occupying the same region of space.