Discovery of Three Optical Transients by CFHT-COVET
ATel #1519; M. M. Kasliwal (Caltech), R. Quimby (Caltech), D. A. Howell (UToronto), M. H. van Kerkwijk (UToronto), S. R. Kulkarni (Caltech)
on 13 May 2008; 19:52 UT
Distributed as an Instant Email Notice Transients
Credential Certification: Mansi Manoj Kasliwal (mansi@astro.caltech.edu)
Subjects: Optical, Request for Observations, AGN, Supernovae, Transient
On UT 2008 May 10, CFHT-COVET found three optical transients and two follow-up spectra were obtained with Keck I/LRIS on May 11. The first was r'=20.8 and located at RA(J2000)=12h27m39.24s, DEC(J2000) = +13d08m36.6s. This is offset from its host galaxy by 0.4"N. Its spectrum shows broad plus narrow H-alpha,H-beta and OII in emission at z=0.321, suggesting it is either a Type II supernova or AGN
activity. The second was r'=21.3 and located at RA(J2000)=12h31m50.71s, DEC(J2000) = +14d01m13.6s. The spectrum is consistent with a Type Ia supernova seven days past maximum at redshift z=0.2375. The third was r=21.1 and located at RA(J2000)=12h29m44.95s, DEC(J2000) = +14d18m34.9s. This is offset from a potential host galaxy by 0.3"W, 1.9"N which has a photometric redshift of 0.16. Follow-up spectroscopy, especially to classify the third transient, is encouraged. All three transients were detected in two sets of images separated by 4.5 hours.
In summary:
Name | RA(J2000) | Dec(J2000) | Mag (r') | z | Classification |
COVET-080510A | 12h27m39.24s | +13d08m36.6s | 20.8 | 0.321 | SN II or AGN |
COVET-080510B | 12h31m50.71s | +14d01m13.6s | 21.3 | 0.238 | SN Ia |
COVET-080510C | 12h29m44.95s | +14d18m34.9s | 21.1 | 0.16? | SN? |
