[IAUC] CBET 1235: 20080205 : SUPERNOVA 2008S IN NGC 6946

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                                                  Electronic Telegram No. 1235
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 2008S IN NGC 6946
     V. Stanishev, Physics Department, Stockholm University; and A.
Pastorello, Queen's University; report that a spectrum of SN 2008S (cf. CBET
1234), obtained on Feb. 4.83 UT with the Nordic Optical Telescope (+ ALFOSC;
range 350-900 nm) by T. Pursimo, shows that it is likely a young, reddened,
type-IIn supernova.  The spectrum consists of a nearly featureless red
continuum with superimposed strong, narrow H_beta and H_alpha emission lines
(FWHM about 1000 km/s).  A strong interstellar Na I absorption line with an
equivalent width of about 0.5 nm is visible at 588.8 nm.
     Further to CBET 1234, R. Arbour provides the following additional CCD
magnitudes for 2008S, obtained with a 40-cm f/5 reflector:  Jan. 24.000 UT,
17.8 (limiting mag about 18.2; pre-discovery); Feb. 4.771, 17.2 (limiting
mag about 18.6).


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                         (C) Copyright 2008 CBAT
2008 February 5                  (CBET 1235)              Daniel W. E. Green