Based on the space MSX observation in bands A(8μm), C(12μm),
D(15μm) and E(21μm), and the ground SiO maser observation of evolved
stars by the Nobeyama 45-m telescope in the v=1 and v=2 J=1-0 transitions, the
relation between SiO maser emission and mid-IR continuum radiation is analyzed.
The relation between SiO maser emission and the IR radiation in the MSX bands
A, C, D and E is all clearly correlated. The SiO maser emission can be
explained by a radiative pumping mechanism according to its correlation with
infrared radiation in the MSX band A.Comment: 11 pages, 4 figures, to appear in ApJ