2011CBET.2777....2S

M. Stritzinger, Stockholm University; N. Morrell, Las Campanas Observatory; and G. Pignata, Universidad Andres Bello, report that they obtained a spectrum (range 373-945 nm) of PSN J20342262-3158236 = SN 2011ei on July 29.2 UT with the Magellan II Clay 6.5-m telescope (+ LDSS3) at Las Campanas Observatory. The spectrum is consistent with a type-II supernova. Comparison with a library of supernova spectra (Blondin and Tonry 2007, Ap.J. 666, 1024) suggests that 2011ei is most similar to the type-IIb supernovae 1993J and 1996cb prior to maximum light, although a comparison to SN 1987A at early phases cannot be ruled out.