Light curves of SN 1998A and comparison with similar unusual SNe

Preliminary photometric data for SN 1998A are presented, showing that it increased in brightness by 1.0 ± 0.1 mag in RI over the 80-d period following discovery. Maximum brightness occurred approximately 70 d after discovery, centred within a broad plateau-like peak lasting about 30 d. The shapes of the light curves during the entire 170-d period are similar to those of SNe 1987A and 1909A, suggesting that SNe 1998A and 1909A may also have had blue supergiant progenitors. Spectroscopic and further photometric study of SN 1998A will allow more detailed comparisons between this and other unusual Type II supernovae.