2012CBET.3155....2H

E. Y. Hsiao, M. M. Phillips, N. Morrell, and C. Contreras, Las Campanas Observatory; J. Prieto, Princeton University; and G. H. Marion, Harvard- Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, report that a near-infrared spectrum (range 830-2500 nm) of PSN J17484870-6042193 = SN 2012db was obtained on June 26.7 UT with the Folded-port Infrared Echellette (FIRE) spectrograph on the 6.5-m Magellan Baade Telescope. The spectrum shows that 2012db is a type-Ia supernova a few days before maximum light. The near-infrared spectrum is similar to that of SN 2002cr at five days before maximum (Marion et al. 2009, A.J. 138, 727). The velocity of the Mg II 1092.7-nm absorption feature is measured to be approximately 13000 km/s, using an estimated redshift for the presumed host galaxy (ESO 139-G28) of z = 0.019 (de Vaucouleurs et al. 1991, RC3.9C; via NED).