Seyfert 1 mutation of the classical Seyfert 2 nucleus NGC 7582

We report the transition toward a type 1 Seyfert experienced by the classic al type 2 Seyfert nucleus in NGC 7582. The transition, found at most 20 day s from its maximum peak, presents a unique opportunity to study these rare events in detail. At maximum, the Ha line width is about 12,000 km s(-1). W e examine three scenarios that could potentially explain the transition: ca pture of a star by a supermassive black hole, a reddening change in the sur rounding torus, and the radiative onset of a Type IIn supernova exploding i n a compact nuclear/circumnuclear starburst.