2004CBET...80....1M

M. Modjaz, R. Kirshner and P. Challis, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics; and T. Matheson, National Optical Astronomy Observatory, report that a spectrum (range 350-740 nm) of SN 2004ei (cf. IAUC 8401), obtained by P. Berlind on Sept. 11.43 UT with the F. L. Whipple Observatory 1.5-m telescope (+ FAST), reveals it to be a type-II supernova. The spectrum consists of emission-dominated P-Cyg features of H_alpha and possibly of H_beta, and a red continuum. Adopting the NED recession velocity of 5755 km/s for the host galaxy, the expansion velocity derived from the minimum of the H_alpha line is about 6500 km/s. Zero-velocity interstellar Na I D absorption with an equivalent width of about 0.3 nm is detected in the spectrum of SN 2004ei, indicating gas along the line of sight in our galaxy and thus suggesting reddening by dust. Schlegel et al. (1998) estimate E(B-V) of 0.52 mag of Galactic reddening along the line of sight to the host galaxy.