2006IAUC.8698....1Y

H. Yamaoka, Kyushu University, writes that several Japanese observers took low-resolution spectra around Apr. 5.8 UT of the possible nova reported on IAUC 8697, including K. Kinugasa (Gunma Astronomical Observatory, 1.5-m telescope; range 400-800 nm, resolution about 500); H. Naito and S. Ozaki (Nishi-Harima Astronomical Observatory, 2.0-m NAYUTA telescope; range 420-790 nm, resolution about 1200); and M. Fujii (Ibara, Okayama, Japan; range 390-860 nm). The spectrum shows a rather flat continuum, on which an H_alpha line shows a clear P-Cyg profile (FWHM of the emission is 500 km/s; the absorption minimum is 700 km/s bluer than the emission peak). Other lines, including H_beta and H_gamma, are seen in absorption. This suggests that the object is a classical nova caught at or slightly before its maximum light. Na I D absorption line (EW = 0.3 nm) indicates that some interstellar reddening exists.