2000MNRAS.319..103S

Observations and identifications of the Merrill-Sanford bands of the silicon dicarbide molecule are reported for a range of N and J stars. The data were recorded at 0.8-1.6Å resolution between 4100 and 5500Å. A full description of the assignments and spectral features in the stars is given. The spectra are characterized by absorption from the ground vibrational level (0,0,0) and from higher-lying vibrational levels involving one quantum of excitation in ν₁, and up to two quanta in ν₂ and ν₃, giving rise to numerous hot-bands. The first results of rotational contour calculations are presented, and are consistent with SiC₂ lying in the upper atmosphere of the star with a rotational temperature substantially lower than that of the photosphere.