CN red system in the solar spectrum

Solar CN lines from leading bands of the Δv = -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, and +3 sequences of the A 2Pi-X 2Σ+ red system are analyzed to provide band absorption oscillator strengths, radiative lifetimes of the A 2Pi state and the electronic transition moment. The results are compared with recent experimental results and an ab initio calculation. In general, the solar analysis is consistent with both the experiments and the ab initio predictions. Additional experiments are called for in order to resolve one outstanding discrepancy and to provide accurate oscillator strengths for the infrared (Δv< or approx. =-1) sequences which are potentially key bands in the analysis of spectra of cool stars. Subject headings: molecular processes: Sun: spectra: transition probabilities