[4][9] SN 2002cx is now classified as type Iax supernova, which are subluminal and do not result in complete destruction of the progenitor white dwarf.

[10] SN 2002cx was discovered on 2002 May 12.21 UT by W. M. Wood-Vasey, G. Aldering, and P. Nugent of LBL with the Oschin 1.2-m telescope at Palomar.

[1][2] On 2002 May 17.2 a spectrum taken by T. Matheson, S. Jha, P. Challis, and R. Kirshner of the CfA with the 1.5-m telescope at FLWO suggested it was a peculiar SN 1991T like type Ia.

[1][11] SN 2002cx had photometric follow up taken at Lick using KAIT and the Nickel telescope, and further spectra were taken at FLWO and Keck.

[13] The I-band behaves similarly to the R-band, with a quick brightening, a plateau and slow decline.

[17] So little evolution was observed between these spectra that they were all combined in order to increase the signal-to-noise ratio and study less pronounced features.

[17] The emission or ejecta hypothesis is considered less likely because if it were the case all the peaks should share equal separation, which they do not.

[19] Because this is the region covered by the R and I-bands, it may explain the odd color evolution of SN 2002cx in these bands.

[16] Based on the odd behavior of SN 2002cx's spectrum there are some questions as to whether it is a type Ia supernova or not.

[21] The V−R color of SN 2002cx evolves similar to other type Ia supernovae before 5 days after max, although it is somewhat redder.