Supernovae ASASSN-15lf

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
Fri, 06/19/2015 - 16:12

Just in case the spectra enthusiasts did not catch this over on the "campaigns" forum....

I've got a new target for the Type II-n supernovae that I crowd source the photometry for.  The target information is below.  This time I am very interested in trying to use filter wheel gratings to add a spectroscopy dimension to the campaign.  The target is at V~15.4 as of 19 June UT and there is a good chance it will get brighter.  The target is also nicely separated from the galaxy nucleus.  So this is probably doable for many of you with SA100 or SA200 gratings.  I encourage you to try it out.  If you get anything, I will be thrilled if you are wiling to share it.

Here is the target information:

ASASSN-15lf  (ATEL 7634 and ATEL 7644)

RA: 12:06:45.56

Dec: +67:09:24.00

Class:  Type II-n

V mag about 16.2 on June 15 and 15.4 on June 19.

Host galaxy:  NGC 4108 (this galaxy is pretty nearby, indicating this target could potentially get much brighter)

Affiliation
American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO)
First Rough Spectra ASASSN-15lf

I have attached a spectra if ASASSN-15lf.  Its 5 images of 120 seconds each. Object at 15.7, so could use more exposure.  I have a 12 inch telescope.  If it clears I will do more.  Thanks to John Martin who processed the spectra.  

John says this shows its a Type II SN.  The absorption at Ha and Hb, along with the emission lines there, suggest this is a type IIn.  

Gary