Spectroscopic Classification of SN 2017ein as a Possibly Peculiar Type Ic Supernova

ATel #10434; Danfeng Xiang, Hao Song, Xiaofeng Wang, Liming Rui (Tsinghua University), Jianning Fu, Yanping Zhang (Beijing Normal University), Feng Xiao, Tianmeng Zhang (NAOC), and Jujia Zhang (YNAO)
on 28 May 2017; 17:24 UT
Distributed as an Instant Email Notice Supernovae
Credential Certification: Xiaofeng Wang (wang_xf@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn)

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We obtained an optical spectrum (range 370-870 nm) of SN 2017ein, discovered by Ron Arbour, on UT May 26.6 2017 with the 2.16-m telescope (+BFOSC) at Xinglong Station of National Astronomical Observatories of China (NAOC). The spectrum is overall consistent with that of a several broad-line type Ic supernova within one week from the maximum light. Cross-correlation with a library of supernova spectra using the "Supernova Identification" code (SNID; Blondin and Tonry 2007, Ap.J., 666, 1024) shows that it matches with SN 2004aw and SN 2002ap at t=+2 days. However, this supernova seems to be much fainter than the average SNe Ibc at a similar phase, e.g., Mv is estimated to be ~-14.2 mag by adopting a distance modulus of about 30.7 mag from Pozanski et al. (2009). This suggests that this object is either peculiar or it suffered a significant host-galaxy reddening. Followup observations are encouraged. Our classification spectrum is also posted on the IAU Transient Name Sever: http://wis-tns.weizmann.ac.il/object/2017ein/