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We present 2.20--2.41 $\mu$m spectroscopy of the R event of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9, spanning approximately 45 minutes prior, during, and after the impact. We model the spectra with temporally variable column abundances of mainly CH$_{4}$ and CO. The CO 2--0 bandhead is visible during and shortly after the impact event, implying temperatures $\geq$ 2000 K. The 3--1 and 4--2 CO bandheads are possibly present in some spectra, blended with CH$_{4}$ lines. Therefore some of the CO could have reached temperatures $\geq$ 3000 K. Absorption on the red side of the 2--0 bandhead by cooler ($T \approx 1000$ K) CO is also evident.
This research was sponsored by the NASA Planetary Astronomy Program under grant NAGW 3415.
