NIST Recommended Rest Frequencies for Observed Interstellar Molecular Microwave Transitions -- 2002 Revision

Published

February 1, 2004

Author(s)

Francis J. Lovas

Abstract

Critically evaluated transition frequencies for the molecular transitions detected in interstellar and circumstellar clouds are presented. The tabulated transitions are recommended for reference in future astronomical observations in the microwave and millimeter wavelength regions. The transition frequencies have been selected through a critical examination and analysis of the laboratory spectral data obtained from the literature. The information tabulated includes the species identity, transition frequency, uncertainty, and quantum state labels. For convenience, representative line antenna temperatures are listed for a typical astronomical source for each transition and the references are cited for the laboratory and astronomical literature that have been employed.

Citation

J. Phys. & Chem. Ref. Data (JPCRD) -

Volume

33

Issue

No. 1

NIST Pub Series

J. Phys. & Chem. Ref. Data (JPCRD)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Keywords

hyperfine structure, interstellar molecules, microwave spectra, molecules, radio astronomy, rotational spectra

Citation

Lovas, F. (2004), NIST Recommended Rest Frequencies for Observed Interstellar Molecular Microwave Transitions -- 2002 Revision, J. Phys. & Chem. Ref. Data (JPCRD), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD (Accessed October 11, 2025)