[IAUC] CBET 437: 20060322 : SUPERNOVA 2006ax IN NGC 3663

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                                                  Electronic Telegram No. 437
Central Bureau for Astronomical Telegrams
INTERNATIONAL ASTRONOMICAL UNION
M.S. 18, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Cambridge, MA 02138, U.S.A.
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SUPERNOVA 2006ax IN NGC 3663
     N. Tokimasa and  H. Naito, Nishi-Harima Astronomical Observatory (NHAO);
and H. Yamaoka, Kyushu University, report that a low-resolution spectrogram
(range 420-690 nm; resolution about 270) of SN 2006ax (cf. CBET 435) was
obtained on Mar. 21.7 UT with the NHAO 2.0-m NAYUTA telescope.  The spectrum
shows a blue continuum and a prominent Si II 635.5-nm absorption line, which
suggests that it is a type-Ia supernova a few days before maximum light.
The expansion velocity deduced from the Si II 635.5-nm absorption minimum,
assuming a recession velocity for NGC 3663 of 5040 km/s (from de Vaucouleurs
et al. 1991, Third Reference Cat. of Bright Galaxies, via NED), is 13200 km/s.


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                         (C) Copyright 2006 CBAT
2006 March 22                    (CBET 437)               Daniel W. E. Green