Rate coefficients for the rotational excitation of CO by ortho- and para-H2

Rate coefficients for the rotational excitation of 12C16O by ortho- and para-H2 are given for the low-temperature regime of interstellar molecular clouds. The rate coefficients derive from quantum mechanical coupled channels calculations of the relevant cross-sections and are intended for the analysis of the intensities of CO microwave and submillimetre lines.