2003IAUC.8078....2M

T. Matheson, P. Challis, and R. Kirshner, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, report that on the spectra (range 370-750 nm) of several supernovae, obtained by P. Berlind on with the F. L. Whipple Observatory 1.5-m telescope (+ FAST spectrograph). A spectrum of SN 2003ao (cf. IAUC 8070), taken on Feb. 22.30 UT, shows it to be a type-II supernova. Adopting the NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Database recession velocity of 2420 km/s for the host galaxy, the expansion velocity derived from the minimum of the H-beta line is 5000 km/s. The spectrum is consistent with the plateau phase of a normal type-II supernova. A spectrum of SN 2003ar (cf. IAUC 8072), obtained on Feb. 22.50, shows it to be a type-Ia supernova two to three weeks past maximum. A spectrum of SN 2003as, obtained on Feb. 22.12, shows it to be a type-IIn supernova; the spectrum consists of a very blue continuum with narrow and intermediate velocity-width hydrogen emission lines. A spectrum of SN 2003at (cf. IAUC 8074), obtained on Feb. 22.52, shows it to be a type-II supernova. A weak, narrow H-alpha emission line from a nearby H II region indicates a recession velocity of 7200 km/s for the host galaxy. Using this value, the expansion velocity derived from the minimum of the H-beta line is 9600 km/s. The spectrum consists of a relatively blue continuum with well-developed P-Cyg lines of hydrogen.