Spectroscopic Classification of ASASSN-16dx/AT2016blk
ATel #8936; J. L. Prieto (UDP; MAS), B. J. Shappee (Carnegie Observatories)
on 11 Apr 2016; 20:40 UT
Credential Certification: Jose L. Prieto (jose.prietok@mail.udp.cl)
Subjects: Optical, Supernovae, Transient
We obtained an optical spectrum (range 420-940nm) of ASASSN-16dx/AT2016blk (ATel #8898, TNS) on UT 2016 Apr. 10.0 with IMACS mounted on the Magellan 6.5-m Baade telescope. The spectrum shows characteristics of a (likely peculiar) Type Ia supernova. Cross-correlation with a library of supernova spectra using the "Supernova Identification" code (SNID; Blondin & Tonry 2007, ApJ, 666, 1024) and chi2-by-eye shows that the best matches are the spectra of SN2007if ("super-chandra") and SN2002ic (Ia-CSM) a few days after max, but there are also reasonably good matches with some SN1991T-like SNe. After correcting the spectrum for the redshift of the host galaxy (z=0.02997 from 6dF), we measure a Si II 635.5nm expansion velocity of ~12000 km/s.
