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

Preliminary photometric data fbr SN 1998A are presented, showing that it in creased in brightness by 1.0 +/- 0.1 mag in R and I over the 80-d period fo llowing discovery. Maximum brightness occurred approximately 70 d after dis covery, centred within a broad plateau-like peak lasting about 30 d. The sh apes of the light curves during the entire 170-d period are similar to thos e of SNe 1987A and 1909A, suggesting that SNe 1998A and 1909A may also have had blue supergiant progenitors, Spectroscopic and further photometric stu dy of SN 1998A will allow more detailed comparisons between this and other unusual Type II supernovae.