We present observations of SN 1997cy , a supernova ( SN ) discovered as part of the Mount Stromlo Abell Cluster SN Search ( [ Reiss et al .
1998 ] ) , which does not easily fit into the traditional classification scheme for supernovae .
This object ’ s extraordinary optical properties and coincidence with GRB970514 , a short duration gamma ray burst ( GRB ) , suggest a second case , after SN 1998bw/GRB980425 , for a SN–GRB association .
SN 1997cy is among the most luminous SNe yet discovered ( M _ { R } < < -20.3 , H _ { 0 } = 65 ) , and has a peculiar spectrum .
We present evidence that SN 1997cy ejected approximately 2.6 M _ { \odot } of ^ { 56 } Ni , supported by its late-time light curve , and FeII/ [ FeIII ] lines in its spectrum , although it is possible that both these observations can be explained via circumstellar interaction .
While SN 1998bw and SN 1997cy appear to be very different objects with respect to both their gamma ray and optical properties , SN 1997cy and the optical transient ( OT ) associated with GRB970508 have roughly similar late-time optical behavior .
This similarity may indicate that the late-time optical output of these two intrinsically bright transient events have a common physical process .
Although the connection between GRB970514 and SN 1997cy is suggestive , it is not conclusive .
However , if this association is real , followup of short duration GRBs detected with BATSE or HETE2 should reveal objects similar to SN1997cy .