2003IAUC.8136....2M

Further to IAUC 8134, T. Matheson, P. Challis, and R. Kirshner report that a spectrum (range 370-750 nm) of SN 2003ej, obtained by M. Calkins on May 22.16 UT, shows it to be a type-II supernova with a blue continuum and incipient P-Cyg lines of hydrogen. Adopting the NED host-galaxy recession velocity (5090 km/s), the expansion velocity derived from the minimum of the H_beta line is 8800 km/s. The H_alpha emission line is unusual, showing a flat top with some apparent structure, reminiscent of the early spectral stages of SN 1993J (e.g., Matheson et al. 2000, A.J. 120, 1487). A spectrum of SN 2003ek, obtained by Calkins on May 22.43, shows it to be a type-Ia supernova before maximum. Adopting the NED host-galaxy recession velocity (10804 km/s), the supernova expansion velocity is 12000 km/s for Si II (rest 635.5 nm). The spectral-feature age of the supernova (Riess et al. 1997, A.J. 114, 722) is 7 ± 2 days before maximum light. A spectrum of SN 2003el (cf. IAUC 8135), obtained by P. Berlind on May 25.27 UT, shows it to be a type-Ic supernova near maximum.