Discovery of  SN 1998bw

• First sign:  A single-peaked Gamma-Ray burst is detected on the BeppoSAX Gamma-Ray Monitor on April 25.90915 UT  by Soffitta et al. (IAU circ 6884, 26/04/98). The object is named GRB 980425
• Optical Ident:  A new object not present in the DSS is seen in images observed at the ESO NTT on Apr 28.4 and May 1.3 UT as reported by Galama et al. (IAU circ 6895, 07/05/98). ESO spectra show an atypical spectrum.
• Radio:   A rapidly increasing radio source in the region is reported by Wieringa et al. (IAU circ 6896, 07/05/98).  By May 5 the source is already 3 times more luminous than the previously most radio loud SNe.
• Supernova:  The object is confirmed as a Type I (possibly Ib) supernova by Sadler et al (IAU circ 6901, 13/05/98) based on optical and radio observations. It is given the designation SN 1998bw.