2012CBET.2969....4S

M. Stritzinger, Oskar Klein Centre, Stockholm University; A. Pastorello, Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica, Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova; and G. Pignata, Universidad Andres Bello, on behalf of the Millennium Center for Supernova Science, report that they obtained a spectrum on Jan. 2.4 UT of PSN J02480496-1357511 = SN 2011js with the Gemini-South telescope (+ GMOS). The variable appears to be a type-IIn supernova near peak brightness. The spectrum exhibits a prevalent blue continuum with narrow emission features attributed to H_alpha, H_beta, and Na I D (the latter overimposed on a broad feature). Faint and narrow lines associated with Ca II (H & K) are discernible in absorption, while features related to the Ca II near-infrared triplet (including a very broad component) are tentatively identified. The overall appearance of this object is reminiscent of the early-epoch spectra of SN 1998S (Fassia et al. 2001, MNRAS 325, 907).