2005IAUC.8508....2M

M. Modjaz, R. Kirshner, and P. Challis, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, report that a spectrum (range 340-730 nm) of SN 2005bd (cf. IAUC 8505), obtained on Apr. 9.15 UT by H. Landt with the F. L. Whipple Observatory 1.5-m telescope (+ FAST), shows it to be a type-Ia supernova with a spectral-feature age (cf. Riess et al. 1997, A.J. 114, 722) of about 8 (± 2) days after maximum light. The supernova expansion velocity, derived from the minimum of Si II (rest 635.5 nm) and adopting the NED recession velocity of 11119 km/s for the host galaxy, is about 11000 km/s.