SN 2005ay - a type II SN to be observed by GALEX
ATel #448; Avishay Gal-Yam and Graham P. Smith (Caltech)
on 31 Mar 2005; 05:59 UT
Distributed as an Instant Email Notice Request For Observations
Credential Certification: Avishay Gal-Yam (avishay@astro.caltech.edu)
Subjects: Optical, Ultra-Violet, Request for Observations, Supernovae
Referred to by ATel #: 490
Avishay Gal-Yam and Graham P. Smith report on behalf of a larger collaboration, including the CCCP and the GALEX Core-collapse SN ToO teams: We observed SN 2005ay (Rich; IAUC# 8500 ) using the DBSP
spectrograph mounted on the 200" Hale telescope at Palomar Observatory, starting on Mar 29.4 UT. A preliminary reduction of the spectrum reveals prominent H and He lines superposed on a blue continuum. This indicates a young type II event, consistent with the findings of Taubenberger et al. from March 29.9 UT (IAUC # 8502 ). The profile of the Halpha line is peculiar, and all the lines appear surprisingly strong for a young Type II SN (Yamaoka and Igataki, IAUC# 8502 ).
The prompt classification of this SN at Palomar allowed us to trigger our GALEX Target of Opportunity program (P.I. Gal-Yam), which is designed to obtain a series of UV spectra for nearby, young and bright core-collapse SNe. Observations will commence on Saturday, Apr. 2, 2005. Such UV data
have rarely been obtained for core-collapse SNe. Intensive observations of this event at all available wavelengths are therefore strongly encouraged.
We thank the Palomar engineering staff, and our support astronomer Rick Burruss for their dedication and hard work - without their help the Palomar observations would not have been possible. We also acknowledge K. Forster and T. Conrow at the GALEX SOC for their help in facilitating the ToO observation.
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